World leaders hail Bangabandhu
Chinese President Xi Jinping has said he will work with President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to strengthen the complementarities between two development strategies, advance Belt and Road cooperation, and take the strategic partnership of cooperation to a new height.
"We must always remember what the elder generation of leaders did for growth of China-Bangladesh relations, and shall pass on the baton of the China-Bangladesh friendship to future generations," he said.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. In a pre-recorded speech, President Xi wished Bangladesh prosperity and its people happiness. "May the China-Bangladesh friendship last from generation to generation!"
The Chinese president made the remarks marking the celebrations of Mujib Borsho and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh's independence, reports UNB.
President Hamid, his Maldivian counterpart Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, PM Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana were present at the function held at the National Parade Ground.
The Chinese president said 50 years ago, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had founded the People's Republic of Bangladesh. "A man who devoted his whole life to his country and people, he is fondly remembered by the people in Bangladesh to this day."
He said the "Sonar Bangla" Bangabandhu envisioned is still galvanising the 160 million Bangladeshi people in their pursuit of national rejuvenation.
"Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was an old and good friend of the Chinese people. On his two visits to China in 1952 and 1957, he forged friendships with Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai, and other Chinese leaders of the elder generation," he said.
As a Chinese saying goes, Xi said, "Do not forget those who dug the well when drinking water from it."
Over the five decades of independence, the people of Bangladesh have stayed true to their conviction and triumphed over challenge one after another, he added.
"The two countries have supported each other and made progress together. Today, both countries are at a crucial stage of revitalisation and development. The Chinese dream of great national renewal can well connect with the 'Sonar Bangla' dream."
Xi said his country would not forget that at the height of its fight against the novel coronovirus, the Bangladesh government and people donated a large quantity of medical supplies to China.
TRUDEAU DELIVERS MESSAGE
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a video message said the independent and democratic Bangladesh was built based on Bangabandhu's love for his people.
"Something we are able to celebrate [50 years of independence] today because of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's vision for independent and democratic country, one which built on his love for its people," he said in the message marking the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence.
The video message was screened during yesterday's event, reports BSS.
The Canadian premier said Bangabandhu's vision became a reality because Bangladesh's founding father put his people first.
"My friends, today is a time for reflection and celebration. We reflect upon the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman -- 100 years after his birth -- and celebrate 50 years of independence," he said.
Mentioning that Bangabandhu reminded of the power that individuals bring to creating lasting change, Trudeau said, "As we face some of the greatest challenges of our life time, we -- leaders and citizens -- must do the same".
He thanked PM Hasina for the invitation to the programme. He also congratulated everyone on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh's independence.
JAPANESE PM
In his video message delivered on the same occasion, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga yesterday said Bangabandhu had made tremendous efforts to strengthen bilateral ties after the independence of Bangladesh, reports BSS.
He said Bangabandhu had led Bangladesh to independence with his indomitable spirit 50 years ago.
Japan was one of the first countries that recognised Bangladesh as a nation state right after its independence, he recalled.
"We had a privilege of welcoming Bangabandhu to Japan. During his stay in Japan, Bangabandhu visited farming and fishing villages in rural areas where he interacted with many local Japanese citizens," the premier said.
Bangabandhu said he considered the development of Japan as a model to follow, Yoshihide Suga added.
Bangabandhu later made tremendous efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, he continued.
"Understand that it was the idea of Bangabandhu to design Bangladeshi national flag in a way that resembles the Japanese one, just like we are brothers."
The Japanese premier said Bangladesh, which is located at a key point connecting South East Asia and Indian subcontinent, has successfully been achieving high economic growth in recent years.
Yoshihide Suga greeted the Bangladeshis on the 50th anniversary of the country's independence and also on the centennial birth anniversary of Bangabandhu.
MODI TWEETS
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described Bangabandhu as a champion of human rights and freedom, adds UNB.
"My heartfelt homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a champion of human rights and freedom, on his birth anniversary," Modi tweeted yesterday.
He said Bangabandhu is a hero for all Indians, too."It will be my honour to visit Bangladesh later this month for the historic Mujib Borsho celebrations," said the Indian premier.
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