Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu believed in the same ideology as their main motto was the welfare of the general people, speakers said on Thursday. They came up with this observation while speaking at a discussion marking the 150th birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi known as Mahatma Gandhi, and 100 years of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The event was organised by Gandhi Ashram Trust at National Museum in the city on Thursday. Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaq, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das, MP Narayan Chandra Chando, Dhaka University Professor Muntasir Mamun, Bangladesh Post Editor in Chief Sharif Shahab Uddin, Bdnews24.com Chief Editor Toufique Imrose Khalidi and academics and members of the civil society were present on the occasion.
The speakers said, both struggled throughout their lives for the emancipation of the common people through nonviolent movement.Though the then West Pakistan launched massive crackdown on innocent common people of the then East Pakistan, Bangabandhu chose nonviolent movement to free his country and people from them, the speaker's added.
They said, Bangabandhu did never take the path of violence.At the discussion, Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaq said Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu believed in the welfare of the general people and exercised secularism in their life.He said, “If people exercise the ideology of Bangabandhu in every sphere, it will help them to live peacefully.”
Bangabandhu’s soldiers, many leaders and activists are doing politics in the country, but practically they are not imbued with spirit and ideology of the greatest son of the soil (Sheikh Mujib), said Muntasir Mamun.Instead of believing the ideology of Bangabandhu, if they continue doing politics in the country, he (Bangabandhu) will be dishonored in many ways, he said.
Riva Ganguly Das said, Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman believed in peacful and non-violent activities.She said, “Bangladesh government has planned elaborate programmes to commemorate the life and times of this great leader in a befitting manner.”She said, “We are ready to join these activities. You may be aware that a project is also undertaken for the preservation of artifacts-the personal belongings of Bangabandhu and his family members, now at 32, Dhanmondi Road, the Bangabandhu museum. We will be happy to do more.”
She said, “Bangabandhu was one of the most influential and courageous leaders of the twentieth century. He championed the cause of democracy, secularism and social justice throughout his life time. His sacrifice for Bangladesh continues to be a source of inspiration for millions of people all over the world.”
Rica Das said, “Bangabandhu was a great friend of India. He was committed to strengthening the relations between our two countries. I add that he is revered as much by the people of India as he is by the people of Bangladesh.”She said, “Bangabandhu dreamt of Sonar Bangla. We stand ready to extend all possible cooperation to Bangladesh to enable her to reach this dream. We are fortunate to have the legacy of shared martyrdom which is unique in the history of the world.”
Riva said, India and Bangladesh relations today are better than ever. India remains committed to continuing its role as a reliable development partner of Bangladesh and in its vision of becoming a middle-income country by 2021, and a developed country by 2041.
