He dreamt of a secular Bangladesh
To Bangabandhu, the meaning of socialism was nothing but welfare of the people.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman deeply believed in the concept of equality, which helped him come out of Muslim League and embrace secularism, said Mashiur Rahman, economic affairs adviser to the prime minister, yesterday.
His decision to come out of the Muslim League was driven by his dislike for religious discrimination. He also believed one's religious belief should not be harmed or disrespected, he said.
Mashiur made the remarks while addressing a commemorative discussion titled "Bangabandhuke Kache Theke Dekha: Remembrance by his contemporaries", as chief guest. The event was organised by Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) at its conference room.
Mashiur, a former CSP officer who joined as private secretary to the Father of the Nation at the end of the Liberation War, recalled various memories with Bangabandhu.
Referring to the great leader's inclination towards socialism, Mashiur said, "To Bangabandhu, the meaning of socialism was nothing but welfare of the people."
Even after becoming the prime minister, Bangabandhu maintained close relationships with communist leaders like Moni Singh and Muzaffar Ahmed, and took their suggestions on many issues, he said.
Mentioning that Bangabandhu respected the opposition parties, Mashiur recalled that he allowed Pakistan's Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury to enter the country to attend the funeral of his father, Muslim League leader Fazlul Quader Chowdhury.
"The other party leaders have also shown their due respect towards him [Bangabandhu]," he added.
Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon said leaders and activists of opposition parties like himself had easy access to Bangabandhu's residence.
"It was for this liberal attitude that the security of his residence was not tightened, which led to his tragic demise," said Menon.
Menon also recalled Bangabandhu's love and affection for political leaders and activists while they were in jail at different times during the liberation movement.
Bangabandhu always listened to others even though they were his juniors and belonged to different ideologies, he added.
Mujahedul Islam Selim, former president of Communist Party of Bangladesh, said Bangabandhu was influenced by Hossain Suhrawardy's political prowess, while Maulana Bhashani's love for commoners also inspired him.
Binayak Sen, director general of BIDS, moderated the event.
Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, energy affairs adviser to the PM, and economist MM Akash also spoke at the programme.
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