UN diplomats have termed Bangabandhu a Friend of the World.
Recalling the contribution of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in realizing the rights of deprived people around the world, they made the remark at a discussion at the UN Headquarters in New York City on Thursday.
They said the struggle and sacrifice of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in realising the rights of deprived people of the world will be exemplary for the international community.
Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations arranged the discussion at the UN Headquarters in New York City, marking the 44th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members.
Former UN Under Secretary General and former Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Anwarul Karim Chowdhury, Indian Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin, Serbian Permanent Representative Milan Milanovic, Cuba Ambassador Ana Silvia Rodriguez Abascal, Palestine Permanent Representative Riyad H Mansur, Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Masud Bin Momen and president of the USA unit of Awami League Dr Siddiqur Rahman, among others, spoke at the discussion.
Bangabandhu as a global leader
Ambassador Anwarul Karim Chowdhury said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, as a global leader, had played an outstanding role in achieving UN membership of Bangladesh, highlighting a newly born nation to the world and advancing pluralism.
Even during their independence day, the people of India mourned the sudden demise of Bangabandhu and his family on August 15, 1975, as their cheerful celebration turned into grief.
"The principles and ideologies of Bangabandhu are being reflected now in different activities of the United Nations," said the ambassador.
He read out the message of Serbian Foreign Minister Milan Milanovic, issued on the occasion of the National Mourning Day of Bangladesh, which highlighted the deep friendship of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and former President of Yugoslavia Marshal Josip Broz Tito.
Mentioning the deep friendship of Bangabandhu and Palestine leader Yasser Arafat, Riyad H Mansur, permanent observer of Palestine to the United Nations, said: "44 years after the assassination of Bangabandhu, his martyrdom anniversary was observed in the UN Headquarters, which was an outstanding initiative to pay homage to the legendary leader."
In his welcome address, Ambassador Momen highlighted the role and ideology of Bangabandhu in empowering people, protecting human rights, ensuring socioeconomic freedom and establishing democracy and peace.
UN observes Bangladesh's National Mourning Day
Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the UN has observed the National Mourning Day in the UN Headquarters for the first time with due solemnity.
Permanent representatives of different countries to the UN, diplomats, UN officials, right activists and writers, among others, joined the mourning day programmes.
Earlier in the day, the national flag was hoisted at half-mast atop Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the UN, marking the National Mourning Day. Later, the officials of the mission stood in silence for one minute.
A milad and doa mahfil were held there, seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of Bangabandhu and his deceased family members.
Later in the day, a discussion and a video exhibition on the life and works of Bangabandhu were held in the UN Headquarters, marking the day.