Diplomats share views on Bangabandhu’s leadership, values

Diplomats stationed in Dhaka at a discussion on Saturday highlighted the values set by Bangabandhu and the importance of following his ideology.

Speaking at the event, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen called on the friendly nations to work with Bangladesh to achieve Bangabandhu's dream of "Sonar Bangla".

British High Commissioner Robert Chatterton Dickson said the United Kingdom was the first nation Bangabandhu visited following his release from captivity where he was greeted by then British prime minister Edward Heath.

He said this laid the foundation for the successful relationship between the two nations.

Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming spoke of the two visits by Bangabandhu to China in 1952 and 1957; and reminisced the warm welcome Bangabandhu received from the Chinese people.

He asserted that the visionary leadership of Bangabandhu set the values of current Bangladesh and stated Bangabandhu's legacy is being carried forward by his daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

German Ambassador Peter Fahrenholtz talked about the visionary leadership of Bangabandhu and the moral values of the Father of the Nation.

He said that all relevant stakeholders should work together to bring to reality his ideology of secular Bangladesh and social rights for all.

Sri Lankan High Commissioner DPSN Dayasekara said Sri Lanka was one of the first countries to establish a relationship with Bangladesh following their liberation.

He said everyone should follow the values set by Bangabandhu to ensure equal rights for all.

UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo said the values of Bangabandhu of freedom for all, ideals of leaving no one behind and equality amongst all match the foundations of sustainable development, which are critical values of the UN as well.

Swiss Ambassador Nathalie Chuard said she was deeply moved after hearing the narration of the brutality of August 15. She shared that Switzerland has been a robust ally to Bangladesh and was delighted to hear that it was Bangabandhu's vision that Bangladesh be the "Switzerland of the East".

Earlier, the foreign minister highlighted the impact of Bangabandhu on founding of the country, and also on its journey as an independent state. He spoke of Bangabandhu's sacrifices, incarceration, his dream, and vision of an independent nation and the undying love for the people.

Dr Momen highlighted the turnaround that the country experienced since 1971, where he led the country to economic development before his untimely demise.

The minister stated the foundation of Bangladesh's foreign policy is built around the notion developed by Bangabandhu -- friendship to all, malice to none.

Ambassadors, high commissioners and representatives of over 40 countries joined the discussion hosted by AL International Affairs Sub Committee and moderated by special assistant to the prime minister Barrister Shah Ali Farhad.

Chairman of Jubo League Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash; Chairman of  AL International Affairs Sub Committee Muhammad Zamir and AL International Affairs Secretary Dr Shammi Ahmed were also present.

A booklet titled: "The Darkest Night and Its Aftermath" was virtually unveiled during the discussion. The hard copies will be shared with all the foreign missions in Dhaka.