Pope Francis made an earnest reference to the political ideology and vision of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during his visit to Dhaka on Thursday.The leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics evoked the father of the nation’s dream for a prosperous nation in an address at Bangabhaban, the official residence and principal workplace of the Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid.“He envisioned a modern, pluralistic and inclusive society in which every person and community could live in freedom, peace and security, with respect for the innate dignity and equal rights of all,” the Pope said.
Also Read - Pope: No nation can survive in isolation
The pontiff referenced Bangladesh’s geography, politics, history, heritage and culture while citing the name of Bangabandhu, and displayed his candid admiration for the independence leader’s far-sighted political beliefs and activities.
The Pope said Bangabandhu had a deep understanding about the need of global unity and the drawbacks of isolation, and had sought to embody this principle in the national constitution.
Also Read - Rohingyas expect Pope to talk about their sufferings
“In today’s world, no single community, nation or state can survive and make progress in isolation. As members of the one human family, we need one another and are dependent on one another,” he said.
Terming Bangladesh as “still a young state”, Pope Francis said the future of the country depends on the people’s devotion to the vision of Bangabandhu.
“The future of this young democracy and the health of its political life are essentially linked to fidelity to that founding vision,” he said.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
