The Bangabandhu Bangladesh pavilion at the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) premises has given a huge opportunity to those who want to learn about the life of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
At the pavilion, the struggles and achievements of Bangabandhu are depicted through photography and documentary film. Copies of treaties signed during meetings between the Father of the Nation and renowned global leaders also adorn the pavilion’s inner walls.
The pavilion and containing exhibition have been jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), so that visitors at DITF may learn some history alongside their shopping.
A total 139 photos from various stages of Bangabandhu’s life are being displayed at the pavilion. The photos include pictures of Bangabandhu with former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi, former president of Cuba Fidel Castro, and England’s Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, among other global leaders and personalities.
Rare photos of Bangabandhu’s personal life and the Liberation War of 1971 are also on display. LED monitors setup both inside and outside the pavilion allow the viewing of video footage of Bangabandhu.
Anwar Hossain, a visitor from Jatrabari, was seen showing the photographs of Bangabandhu to his seven-year-old daughter.
Asked why he had brought his daughter to the pavilion, he said: “If we don’t teach the next generation about the Father of the Nation, then what is the point in teaching them history?”
Another visitor, 52-year-old Rehana Begum, from Savar, said it was a joy for her to be able to see such rare and historical photos along with her family.
People seen visiting Bangabandhu Bangladesh pavilion at the Dhaka International Trade Fair in Agargaon area of Dhaka on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 | Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune
A group of high school students who were watching documentaries on Bangabandhu said: “When we hear Bangabandhu’s voice, it makes us proud and touches our heart. Just listening to him makes you feel patriotic.”
The photo exhibition at the pavilion can be split into separate categories based on the time period covered.
Before the Liberation War (1920-1971)
In this section, photos of Bangabandhu’s early and educational life are displayed. The display includes photos of Bangabandhu taking part in various movements, such as the Mother Language Movement from 1948-52, the formation of United Front in 1954, the placing of the six-point demands in 1966, the Anti-Ayub movement in 1969, and the general election 1970.
A special photograph of a protest against the price hike in commodities in 1956 that was taken by Bangabandhu is also on display.
During the Liberation War (1971)
This section includes photographs and newspaper cuttings from during the Liberation War. Photographs of the declaration of independence speech are among those on display.
Photographs and newspaper cuttings depicting the efforts of international platforms to secure the release of Bangabandhu from a Pakistani jail are also portrayed.
After the Liberation War (1972-1975)
Starting with Bangabandhu’s homecoming on January 10, 1972, the pictures in this section show the reconstruction efforts in Bangladesh after the Liberation War, as well as the signing of various agreements and meetings with international politicians.
Bangabandhu’s days in prison
Bangabandhu spent a total 3,053 days in prison for various reasons between 1938 and 1972. His jail records, duration and reasons for imprisonment are recorded alongside the respective photos.
Bangabandhu’s longest stint in prison was for 789 days from December 31, 1949, to February 27, 1952, for raising his voice against the government.
