National Mourning Day observed in Seoul with due solemnity

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: The Embassy of Bangladesh in Seoul on Sunday observed the ‘National Mourning Day’ and the 46th Martyrdom Anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with utmost respect and due solemnity. T

he Embassy arranged a day-long elaborate program to mark this occasion.

The program started with lowering of the National Flag to half-mast by Ambassador Abida Islam in presence of the officials of the Embassy at 09.30 am. The officials of the Embassy were present during the event wearing black badges.

This was followed by paying homage to the Father of the Nation by placing floral wreaths in front of his bust inside the Chancery.

Later, Ambassador Abida Islam in presence of the Embassy officials unveiled the compilation of Bangabandhu’s Historic 7th March Speech, translated in Korean language as well as in six official languages of the United Nation. Mentionable, in the year 2020, the Embassy took the initiative to translate the Bangabandhu’s Historic 7th March Speech in Korean Language and published a booklet in this regard.

It was followed by the inauguration of the 3rd Photo Exhibition on the life and legacy of the Father of the Nation as well as publications on him at the Chancery as part of the ‘Mujib Year’ celebration.

To mark the day a virtual programme was also held. At the beginning of the program, one-minute silence was observed in memory of Bangabandhu and his family members who were assassinated on 15 August 1975. It was followed by offering of a special prayer for the salvation and peace of the departed souls of Bangabandhu and his martyred family members and for the prosperity and welfare of the country and the nation.

The messages of the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs given on this occasion were read out by the officers of the Embassy.

Later, a pre-recorded online discussion programme titled ‘Bangabandhu and Global Peace’ was screened. Professor Sung Yong Kang, a professor at Seoul National University and Director of the Asia Policy Center at the Seoul National University, was the keynote speaker at the discussion programme who spoke on the topic: ‘Commemorating Bangabandhu, the Founding Father of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh: Imagination and Inspiration that Bangabandhu Throws on the Korean Peninsula Today’.

In his discussion, Professor Sung Yong Kang highlighted the similarities of the two countries’ history of the struggle for independence and protection of their respective mother tongues. He highlighted Bangabandhu’s philosophy and initiatives in establishing world peace and, in light of this, discussed the issue of establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Md. Nazrul Islam Khan, Curator of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum, and Ambassador Abida Islam were also present as distinguished discussants.

Nazrul Islam Khan, in his speech, highlighted Bangabandhu’s unwavering support and various initiatives in establishing world peace.

He also mentioned that following the ideals and philosophy of the Father of the Nation, Bangladesh has been making significant contributions in establishing world peace.

In her speech, Ambassador Abida Islam noted Bangabandhu’s non-violence political philosophy and balanced foreign policy including his earnest efforts in establishing world peace and harmony.

Referring to the ‘Bangabandhu Peace Prize’ as part of the ‘Mujib Year’ celebration, Ambassador Islam said that this initiative of the Government of Bangladesh would spread a culture of peace and tolerance all over the world.

She added that the forthcoming ‘Peace Conference’ to be held in Dhaka in December this year would inspire world humanity to come together and help to establish a more peaceful world based on equality and justice for our next generation – which was dreamt by Bangabandhu.

Another online discussion session on ‘National Mourning Day’ was also held which was presided over by Ambassador Abida Islam and was attended by Bangladeshi expatriates living in Korea.

Prior to the discussion session of the programme a documentary on the life and the contributions of Bangabandhu was screened.

During the discussion, the speakers highlighted Bangabandhu’s contributions in the struggles for independence and nation-building.

In her speech, the Ambassador paid deep homage to the Father of the Nation and the martyred family members assassinated on 15 August 1975.

She also mentioned Bangabandhu’s immense contribution to the creation of an independent Bangladesh and his struggles for nation-building.

Ambassador Islam urged the expatriates living in the Republic of Korea to come forward and play further constructive roles in the development of Bangladesh and for realizing ‘Sonar Bangla’ (the Golden Bengal)-dreamt by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.