Environment, Forests and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin on Sunday said the greatest Bengalee of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is the symbol of independence.
“The greatest Bengalee of all time, the great architect of independence, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is not just an individual, but he is the flag, map and the symbol of independence,” he told a virtual meeting joining from his official residence here.
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change arranged the virtual seminar titled, ‘Bangabandhu’s Contribution to Building Bangladesh’, marking the Mujib Year, a ministry press release said.
Speaking as the chief guest, Shahab Uddin said Bangabandhu is not the property of any particular party or group but Bangabandhu means an independent state, a liberation war and the final victory of 16th December.
He said Bangabandhu was the most reliable essence of the long-cherished dream of Bengalees.
Through his works, sacrifice, political wisdom, foresight, courage, honesty and overall unconditional love to Bangladesh and Bengalees, Bangabandhu has become a close relative of the Bengalees as well as leader, he added.
The environment minister said: “Bangabandhu is the central essence of our pride, our liberation war and freedom”.
He said after the independence of the country, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman introduced a welfare and non-discriminatory state system. “He (Bangabandhu) successfully started conservation of the country’s nature and environment and tree plantation campaign,” Shahab Uddin added.
He said the call that Father of the Nation made to protect the rivers of the country, nature and environment and increase forest resources, brought a good result even though it was late.
The environment minister urged the youth to work from their respective positions for the implementation of the principles, ideals and dreams of Bangabandhu.
Speaking as the chief discussant, Prime Minister’s Energy Adviser Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury said Bangabandhu was very simple but extraordinary.
“He (Bangabandhu) had deep love for the people and unlimited insight into running the country,” he said, adding the March 7 speech of the Father of the Nation was an inspiring mantra for the freedom fighters.
Even though there were few weapons, the biggest weapon of all was the ‘Joy Bangla’ slogan, Tawfiq-e-Elahi added.
He said Bangabandhu sacrificed his personal life for the country and that is why the contribution of the greatest leader will never be forgotten and all should work together for implementing his dreams and ideology.
Deputy Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Begum Habibun Nahar also addressed the seminar with Environment Secretary Ziaul Hasan in the chair.
Additional Secretaries of the ministry Dr Billal Hossain, Mahmud Hasan, Md Moniruzzaman, Ahmad Shamim Al Razi and Mizanul Haque Chowdhury, chairman of Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation Md Salahuddin Chowdhury, additional director general of the Department of Environment (DoE) Md Humayun Kabir, chief conservator of forests Amir Hossain Chowdhury, director of Bangladesh Forest Research Institute Dr Md Masudur Rahman, Bangladesh Rubber Board chairman Syeda Sarwar Jahan and director of Bangladesh National Herbarium Parimal Singh, among others, joined the discussion.
