Protect the future from terrorism
Former Indian president Pranab Mukherjee yesterday urged writers, artists, poets, novelists and cultural activists to work for global peace and protect future generations from the poison of terrorism.
"Innocent people are being killed. People are becoming living human bombs," he said pointing finger at the loss of innocent lives to terrorism worldwide .
While addressing the closing session of "International Bengali Literature Conference" at Bangla Academy in the capital, the former Indian president said it is not clear what the terrorists want, but they are becoming living human bombs.
"Not only environment pollution, the biggest pollution is in people's thoughts, languages and minds," he said, adding only writers, artists, poets, novelists and cultural activists can take the responsibility to protect people from such pollution, not the international institutions of the United Nations.
Pranab, a family friend of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, said the terrorists had even attacked the Pentagon challenging the US.
"We're determined to saving the new generations from the poisonous world and poison of terrorism," he said.
Recalling the contributions of the 1952 Language Movement heroes, Pranab said they all should stay grateful to them each and every moment.
"Where will you find a more suitable place than Dhaka to arrange such a conference?" he said appreciating the efforts made by the organisers in successfully completing the conference. "I feel honored to be here," Pranab said.
Convener of the conference Prof Anisuzzaman, Finance Minister AMA Muhith, Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, key coordinator of the conference Nasiruddin Yousuf, and Bangla Academy Director General Shamshuzzaman Khan also spoke on the occasion.
Muhith said the conference was a big event and such an event had taken place back in 1974 initiated by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Prof Anisuzzaman said the conference gave an opportunity to know and learn from each other and hoped that similar conferences will be held in Bangladesh in the coming days.
Cultural Affairs Minister Noor urged all to fight against the evil forces and continue upholding Bangla through such events.
Shahriar Alam said the relations between Bangladesh and India reached new heights and laid emphasis on holding such events.
Speaking on the occasion, the Bangla Academy director general said the conference will be a historic one with the presence of Pranab Mukherjee.
He urged the friends from India to learn more about Bangladesh and sought initiatives to allow Bangladesh TV channels in India.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the conference on Saturday at Bangla Academy.
Pranab, who arrived in Dhaka on Sunday, met Sheikh Hasina at Gono Bhaban yesterday.
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