4th Annual Bangabandhu Lecture 2021 held in London

News desk
shottobani

Londonঃ The 4th Annual Bangabandhu Lecture 2021 was held virtually on 18 March titled ‘The role and vision of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the making of the Bangladesh nation state’ at SOAS University of London.

In welcoming speakers and audience to SOAS, Professor Edward Simpson, Director of the South Asia Institute, said that Bangladesh was shaped by the forces of history, geography and culture. It took a unique act of political leadership by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to draw together those forces to forge Bangladesh’s nation-state.

The Bangabandhu Lecture was delivered by Professor Rehman Sobhan, Chairman, Centre for Policy Dialogue, from Bangladesh. Professor Rehman Sobhan highlighted Bangabandhu’s life-long struggle for justice, for social and economic justice for his people. He said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman emerged to provide leadership to his people at the right time and in the right place. In giving substance to the idea of a nation-state Bangabandhu’s vision for the future was in turn shaped by the challenges he confronted during the struggle and his own commitment to the idea of a just society.

The event was introduced by Nooruddin Ahmed, Chairman of ‘7th March Foundation’. In his introductory remarks, Nooruddin Ahmed said, “We are indeed very pleased to be back with the Annual Bangabandhu Lecture. It is even more exciting that we are able to start the fourth year of the Bangabandhu Lecture from where we left. Last year on the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu, it was Professor Rehman Sobhan who was going to deliver the 3rd lecture. Unfortunately, due to covid-19 it was cancelled”.

He continued, ” This is the year of the Golden Jubilee of our glorious independence. For the 7th March Foundation this is indeed a very special year too – the Golden Jubilee of Bangabandhu’s historic speech – Call for Independence at Ramna Racecourse on 7th March 1971 as well extended Mujib Borsho”.

Nooruddin Ahmed further said, “Nowadays we are inundated with references to Bangabandhu’s swapna – dream and vision from almost every quarter. For laypersons it is becoming increasingly very difficult to differentiate between reality and myth. Today we turn to someone who has been on the journey for the liberation with Bangabandhu to help us to know and understand the role and vision of Bangabandhu in making of Bangladesh better. Ladies and gentlemen, this non-other than the most respected economist Professor Rehman Sobhan”.

Opening remarks were made by the Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK, Her Excellency Ms Saida Muna Tasneem, who highlighted the importance of the lecture during the Mujib Year, Golden Jubilee celebration and 50 anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK and Bangladesh.

Professor Edward Simpson said, “Professor Rehman Sobhan has been close to the action in Bangladesh for decades. He told a story of tremendous and nation-shaping events and personalities with ease and fluidity. The audience was spell-bound. There were many lessons in what he said, far beyond the story itself. The challenge is how to make younger people aware of the past and its significance for the present.”

The event was organised by the UK based 7th March Foundation in association with SOAS, South Asia Institute and the Bangladesh High Commission in London. The event was part of a long-term partnership inspired and developed by the hard work and vision of 7th March Foundation in conjunction with the High Commission and SOAS.

In the concluding remark, Nooruddin Ahmed expressed sincere gratitude to Professor Rehman Sobhan for accepting the invitation and delivering a wonderful and timely lecture. Nooruddin Ahmed said that, “During the course of organising the event we promised that this will be different from the usual rhetoric, it will be very interesting and informative both in terms of contents and style, it will be passionate and authoritative as this lecture will be delivered by Professor Sobhan who has worked with Bangabandhu very closely for a considerable period. I am indeed very glad to say that it has truly exceeded all our expectations. As I speak, messages are coming from participants expressing their appreciation. one such message is from a young man” one of great lecture I have heard for a long time. Really enjoyed. Thanks”.

Finally, Nooruddin Ahmed thanked Professor Edward Simpson and SOAS South Asia Institute for continuously working in partnership with the Foundation on very successfully delivering the Bangabandhu lecture since 2017. This year has added extra excitement to our partnership. Under the leadership of Her Excellency Saida Muna Tasneem, the Bangladesh High Commission in London became one of the partners. We are looking forward to a long-term and lasting partnership with the Bangladesh High Commission. The Foundation also wish to register special gratitude to Ansar Ahmed Ullah, General Secretary, Farid Ahmed, member of the Foundation, for their continuous work for the Foundation. And Sunil Pune of SOAS South Asia Institute, without tireless effort it would have been very challenging to make this a successful event”.