Nigeria & Bangladesh Release Commemorative Stamp To Celebrate Mujib Centenary

Oru Leonard

H.E. Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and H.. Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, jointly released a Commemorative Stamp to mark the birth centenary  of  Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Held at the auditorium of the Bangladesh High Commission, Abuja, Nigeria on 27 August, 2020, both the Ministers attended the event digitally. Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria Mr. Md. Shameem Ahsan made the welcome remarks.  At the outset, there was a digital projection on the life of Bangabandhu.

In his remarks, while sincerely thanking the Nigerian Government for the release of the Commemorative Stamp, Dr. A.K. Momen said that the sacrifice, ideology and struggle of Bangabandhu will continue to inspire all freedom-loving people of the world. The release of the Commemorative Stamp is a fitting tribute to Bangabandhu and to the cordial relationship between the two friendly countries- he added.

While appreciating the constructive role of Nigeria at the UN and other forums on the issue of Rohingya refugees, Bangladesh Foreign Minister urged the Nigerian Government to continue its active role so that Myanmar takes back its 1.1 million forcefully displaced persecuted nationals who have been sheltered by Bangladesh. Dr. Momen also highlighted on the impressive progress Bangladesh is making in various sectors turning it into a “Role Model” under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, daughter of the Father of the Nation. Noting that Nigeria is the largest economy of Africa, Bangladesh Foreign Minister expressed his satisfaction that both countries are currently working for signing of few Agreements/MoUs in respect of agriculture, education, culture, defence, avoidance of double taxation etc.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama in his remarks termed Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as “an icon in the struggle for the Independence of Bangladesh, and a personification of the principles of freedom and equity”. The Minister further said that he was a true leader, an undaunted advocate of the interests of the Bengalis and a hero not only to the Bengalis but also to all peace-loving people across the world.

Nigerian Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction that Nigeria was going to release the Commemorative Stamp to mark birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He added that this would surely go a long way in further strengthening existing cordial relations. Nigerian Foreign Minister concluded sharing the famous quote by Cuban leader Fidel Castro about Bangabandhu (I have not seen the Himalayas, but I have seen Sheikh Mujib, in personality and courage, this man is the Himalayas. I have thus had the experience of witnessing the Himalayas).

In his remarks, the Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi, Post Master General/CEO of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), expressed his satisfaction for being a part of the initiative while informing that the Commemorative Stamp is one historic piece and will travel beyond Nigeria. He informed that the Commemorative Stamp which comes in a single denomination of Nigerian Naira 100 is now available for purchase at all post offices across Nigeria and at the Nigerian Philatelic Bureau, Lagos.

H.E. Mr. Salaheddine-Abbas Ibrahima, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of Cameroon, H.E. Mr. Abhay Thakur, High Commissioner of India, Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi, Post Master General/CEO of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), were present alongwith members of the Bangladesh community.  H.E. Mr. Md. Shahriar Alam,MP, Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Secretary Ambassador Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh Ambassadors/High Commissioners stationed in Africa, senior Officers of both  the Foreign Ministries also  joined digitally. Due to surge of COVID-19, number of local guests were kept minimum.

Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in association with the Bangladesh High Commission in Nigeria published the Commemorative Stamp and it is a part of the year-long celebratory programmes of the High Commission to observe the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation.