Bangabandhu was a friend of the world

The activities of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the international arena after the liberation of Bangladesh show he was a friend of whole world.

"He fought not for just one nation but for all of humankind. In his death, his life shines more brightly than ever," said Haider A Khan, professor of Economics of University of Denver, while delivering a lecture at Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) yesterday.

BEA organised the public lecture titled "From Bangabandhu to Viswabandhu: Towards Global Liberation Through Public Reasoning" at National Planning and Development Academy.

Highlighting Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's political acumen and stance for repressed people, Haider said, "It is up to us and the succeeding generations to apply the principles that he left behind flexibly, wisely and cooperatively to avert the third global crisis and move towards a brighter future for generations to come."

Haider's lecture was based on a book written by him, scheduled to be published in March.

The book will contain three of Bangabandhu's most important speeches between 1970 and 1974.

"Looking back and reading all three speeches carefully in historical context, we can see why Bangabandhu was unique, a true friend and leader of his own people."

Bangabandhu was an emotionally mature, thoughtful and courageous human being who valued democratic public reasoning deeply, Prof Haider said.

Replying to a question, he said Bangabandhu had no idea that his own people could kill him, but tragically that is what happened, adding that more research needs to be carried out to find the political masterminds who orchestrated the brutal killing of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with his family.

BEA President Abul Barakat said Bangabandhu had always been vocal against the repression of common people.

The economist further said had Sheikh Mujibur Rahman not been killed, the gap of discrimination between rich and poor would not reach to the massive scale that the country is experiencing at present.