Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was not only charismatic but also a visionary leader. Bangabandhu’s dream of ‘Shonar Bangla’ to a great extent is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by the United Nations.
Though, he could not complete his job, he managed to take numerous initiatives and left behind guidelines for sustainable development of Bangladesh, encompassing economy, society, and ecology of the country. Now, after 51 years, Bangladesh is reaping the benefits of Bangabandhu’s far-sighted plans and visionary ideas.
Speakers on Wednesday thus reminisced about Bangabandhu at a virtual seminar titled “Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Vision of Sustainable Development”, organised by Eastern Bank Ltd (EBL) in observance of the National Mourning Day, according to a statement.
Planning Minister MA Mannan, MP, joined the seminar as the chief guest while State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid participated in the programme as the special guest. EBL Chairman Md Showkat Ali Chowdhury chaired the session and Managing Director and CEO Ali Reza Iftekhar also took part in the discussion.
Terming Bangabandhu as a visionary leader, the planning minister said “Bangabandhu showed the path for development. He set up the Planning Commission and brought the best resources of Bangladesh to it. He felt the need for rural development and gave directions. His directions and ideas are still followed in the areas of road communication, infrastructure, education etc.”
In his speech, the state minister for Cultural Affairs said, “Bangabandhu was not only a charismatic political figure, but also a great social and economic reformer. He had a grand plan for an independent Bangladesh and like a skilled artist he was able to outline the future of Bangladesh.”
EBL Chairman Md Showkat Ali Chowdhury in his introductory speech said Bangabandhu was not only a leader for Bangladeshis, but also an inspiration for the exploited and deprived people across the globe. The Father of the Nation has left behind his philosophy and concrete plans for the country’s sustainable development in every sector. If we can take forward his ideas and plans, we will be able to achieve the UN SDGs within the stipulated timeframe.
In his closing remark, Ali Reza Iftekhar, managing director and CEO of EBL, said the best way to pay tribute to this visionary leader is to implement his unfinished works in building Shonar Bangla.
Senior officials of EBL along with the invited guests attended the seminar which was moderated by Ziaul Karim, head of Communications and External Affairs of the bank.
