Golden Jubilee of Glorious Victory Day Celebrated in Italy with Enthusiasm

Oru Leonard

The Golden Jubilee of the Glorious Victory Day of Bangladesh was celebrated at the Embassy of Bangladesh in Rome, Italy in a befitting manner today. Due to the global covid-19 situation, the programme was organized on a hybrid format. Mr. Md. Shameem Ahsan, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Italy, Serbia and Montenegro, hoisted the national flag ceremonially at 9.30 am with the presence of the officers and officials of the Embassy.

This was followed by a one-minute silence, placing of floral wreath on the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The second part of the programme was conducted from the auditorium of the Mission with virtual presence of foreign guests and community leaders and members. The programme included, among others, recitations from the Holy Scriptures, reading out of the messages of President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs, screening of a short documentary titled “How we got the word ‘Independence’’.

During the discussion segment, the foreign friends who included two Honorary Consuls of Bangladesh, warmly congratulated Bangladesh at its golden jubilee of independence and victory and also appreciated the ongoing development journey led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Speakers from the community, while paying rich tribute to Bangabandhu and all martyrs, reiterated their commitment to work for the materialization of the dream of Bangabandhu and the martyrs.
The Embassy arranged to digitally join the oath-taking ceremony led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the premises of the National Parliament building in Dhaka at which the jubilant Embassy officials and other participants  took part holding national flags with much enthusiasm.  

In his remarks, Ambassador Mr. Md. Shameem Ahsan paid glowing tribute to the greatest Bangalee of all times, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman whose charismatic leadership was the driving force behind country’s independence.

He underscored the significance of the year ‘2021’ as it witnesses the rare moments coinciding with the celebration of the Birth Centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Golden Jubilee of Independence as well as Golden Jubilee of glorious victory in the war of liberation. At the same time, the Ambassador mentioned that Bangladesh, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been able to get the global recognition as a “role model” for its stunning successes in many areas. Mr. Ahsan noted the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding between Bangladesh and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in the month of victory and within Mujib Year for establishing “Sheikh Mujib-Bangladesh” Room in the FAO Headquarters, Rome. At this joyous occasion of the glorious victory day, the Ambassador called for unity among Bangladeshi expatriates in Italy and sought sincere support and suggestions in extending desired level of service by the Mission. While highlighting that the present government is an expatriate-friendly government, he also duly focused on some of the important steps already undertaken by the Embassy to ensure and further improve service delivery.

During the cultural part, a recorded version of the cultural program consisting of songs and dance performances with patriotic songs by young community artists was enjoyed by the audience. Deepa Podder, Diya Podder, Swastika Rupanti Banik, Punam Shil, Mithila Das Megha and Sunny Banik-the students of Shonchari Songitayon, a cultural organization of the community, directed by Ms. Susmita Sultana, enthralled the audience.

The programme ended with a special prayer for the salvation of the departed souls of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his martyred family members and the martyrs of the war of liberation and for the continued progress and prosperity of the country.

Conducted by Mr. Md. Arfanul Hoque, Counsellor (Labour and Welfare) and Mr. Md. Ashfaqur Rahman, Second Secretary respectively, the programme was attended by Honorary Consuls of Bangladesh in Naples and Catania, leaders of different political, social and cultural organizations, the expatriate community members and members of media who joined from Italy and Europe along with the officers and officials of the Embassy.