Visiting Bangladesh&nbsp;Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud on Monday inaugurated the Bangabandhu Media Centre, named after the country's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, at the Press Club of India (PCI) in Delhi.

A life-size photo of Rahman was also unveiled in the presence of minister Mahmud and Bangladesh&nbsp;high commissioner&nbsp;Muhammad Imran.&nbsp;It is for the first time that a media centre has been named after a foreign leader at any press club in India.&nbsp;

Hasan said, “It's my great pleasure to inaugurate the Bangabandhu Media Centre at the Indian press club. I want to register my thanks to the leaders of the press club, secretary and the committee to decide the set up the media centre that will facilitate the journalist here, to know Bangabandhu, the struggle of Bangabandhu and also strengthen ties between Bangladesh and India."

The development comes as Bangladesh is celebrating the Mujib year on the occasion of the centennial birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Earlier this year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the country to take part in the national day celebrations. It was his first outside visit since the Covid pandemic began.&nbsp;The last being in 2019.&nbsp;

He batted for strong ties with India, saying, “India and Bangladesh relationship is a wide-ranging one. We have a historic relationship."

Responding to a question by WION on the Afghanistan situation, he said, “Stability in Afghanistan is important for stability in South Asia.”&nbsp;

Asked on COVID vaccine export he said, “We understand your local demand. Understand your local complexity. My visit is not for the vaccine.”

India had sent 103 lakh doses of vaccines to the country, of which 33 lakh was via grant, and 70 lakh was sent commercially. India had to suspend further exports globally as the country was grappling with the 2nd wave of the Covid pandemic.&nbsp;

Visiting Bangladesh Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud on Monday inaugurated the Bangabandhu Media Centre, named after the country's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, at the Press Club of India (PCI) in Delhi.

Visiting Bangladesh Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud on Monday inaugurated the Bangabandhu Media Centre, named after the country's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, at the Press Club of India (PCI) in Delhi. A life-size photo of Rahman was also unveiled in the presence of minister Mahmud and Bangladesh high commissioner Muhammad Imran. It is for the first time that a media centre has been named after a foreign leader at any press club in India. Hasan said, “It's my great pleasure to inaugurate the Bangabandhu Media Centre at the Indian press club. I want to register my thanks to the leaders of the press club, secretary and the committee to decide the set up the media centre that will facilitate the journalist here, to know Bangabandhu, the struggle of Bangabandhu and also strengthen ties between Bangladesh and India." The development comes as Bangladesh is celebrating the Mujib year on the occasion of the centennial birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Earlier this year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the country to take part in the national day celebrations. It was his first outside visit since the Covid pandemic began. The last being in 2019. He batted for strong ties with India, saying, “India and Bangladesh relationship is a wide-ranging one. We have a historic relationship." Responding to a question by WION on the Afghanistan situation, he said, “Stability in Afghanistan is important for stability in South Asia.” Asked on COVID vaccine export he said, “We understand your local demand. Understand your local complexity. My visit is not for the vaccine.” India had sent 103 lakh doses of vaccines to the country, of which 33 lakh was via grant, and 70 lakh was sent commercially. India had to suspend further exports globally as the country was grappling with the 2nd wave of the Covid pandemic.

Bangladesh I&B Minister inaugurates Bangabandhu Media Centre in Delhi, calls for strong ties with India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he will hold "substantive discussions" with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina during his two-day visit to Bangladesh, as he expressed happiness that his first foreign tour after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic will be to a friendly neighbouring country with which India shares deep ties.

Modi said he will be visiting Bangladesh on March 26-27 at the invitation of Prime Minister Hasina, and looks forward to his participation at the Bangladesh National Day celebrations on Friday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-bangladesh-relations-a-robust-history-and-optimistic-future-372759" hreflang="en">India-Bangladesh relations: A robust history and optimistic future</a>

In his departure statement, he said, "I am happy that my first foreign visit after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic will be to our friendly neighbouring country, with which India shares deep cultural, linguistic and people-to-people ties."

Noting that Bangladesh's National Day celebrations on Friday will commemorate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Modi said 'Bangabandhu' was one of the tallest leaders of the last century, whose life and ideals continue to inspire millions.

"I look forward to visiting Bangabandhu's Samadhi in Tungipara to pay my respects to his memory," the prime minister said.

Modi said he also looks forward to offering prayers to Goddess Kali at the ancient Jashoreshwari Kali Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in the Puranic tradition.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/range-of-pacts-to-be-inked-during-pm-modis-bangladesh-visit-foreign-secretary-shringla-372943" hreflang="en">Range of pacts to be inked during PM Modi's Bangladesh visit: Foreign Secretary Shringla</a>

The prime minister said he is looking forward to his interaction with representatives of the Matua community at Orakandi, from where Sri Sri Harichand Thakur disseminated his pious message, Modi said.

"I will be having substantive discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following our very productive virtual meeting in December last year. I also look forward to my meeting with President Abdul Hamid, and to interactions with other Bangladeshi dignitaries," Modi said.

"My visit will not only be an occasion to convey appreciation for Bangladesh's remarkable economic and developmental strides under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visionary leadership, but also to commit India's abiding support for these achievements," he said.

Modi said during his visit he will also express India's support and solidarity for Bangladesh's fight against COVID-19.

"As I leave for Bangladesh tomorrow, I look forward to remembering the life and ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and celebrate 50 years of Bangladesh's War of Liberation, as well as our diplomatic ties," Modi tweeted.

"Our partnership with Bangladesh is an important pillar of our Neighbourhood First policy, and we are committed to further deepen and diversify it. We will continue to support Bangladesh's remarkable development journey, under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's dynamic leadership," he said.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, while briefing reporters on the PM's visit to Bangladesh, had said on Wednesday that a range of pacts will be signed and new announcements for bolstering cooperation in several areas will be made during the two-day visit.

Modi's visit is taking place at a time Bangladesh is commemorating Mujib Borsho, the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of the country's War of Liberation. The two countries are also celebrating 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

The two prime ministers held a virtual summit on December 17 during which Modi said Bangladesh is a key pillar of New Delhi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, while Hasina described India as a "true friend" and asserted that both countries could play a significant role in the global and regional value chains by further integrating their economies as well as boosting connectivity.

During that summit, the two countries had inked seven agreements to further broadbase cooperation in a plethora of sectors, and restored a cross-border rail link snapped by the 1965 war with Pakistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he will hold "substantive discussions" with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina during his two-day visit to Bangladesh, as he expressed happiness that his first foreign tour after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic will be to a friendly neighbouring country with which India shares deep ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he will hold "substantive discussions" with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina during his two-day visit to Bangladesh, as he expressed happiness that his first foreign tour after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic will be to a friendly neighbouring country with which India shares deep ties. Modi said he will be visiting Bangladesh on March 26-27 at the invitation of Prime Minister Hasina, and looks forward to his participation at the Bangladesh National Day celebrations on Friday. Also read| India-Bangladesh relations: A robust history and optimistic future In his departure statement, he said, "I am happy that my first foreign visit after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic will be to our friendly neighbouring country, with which India shares deep cultural, linguistic and people-to-people ties." Noting that Bangladesh's National Day celebrations on Friday will commemorate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Modi said 'Bangabandhu' was one of the tallest leaders of the last century, whose life and ideals continue to inspire millions. "I look forward to visiting Bangabandhu's Samadhi in Tungipara to pay my respects to his memory," the prime minister said. Modi said he also looks forward to offering prayers to Goddess Kali at the ancient Jashoreshwari Kali Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in the Puranic tradition. Also read| Range of pacts to be inked during PM Modi's Bangladesh visit: Foreign Secretary Shringla The prime minister said he is looking forward to his interaction with representatives of the Matua community at Orakandi, from where Sri Sri Harichand Thakur disseminated his pious message, Modi said. "I will be having substantive discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following our very productive virtual meeting in December last year. I also look forward to my meeting with President Abdul Hamid, and to interactions with other Bangladeshi dignitaries," Modi said. "My visit will not only be an occasion to convey appreciation for Bangladesh's remarkable economic and developmental strides under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visionary leadership, but also to commit India's abiding support for these achievements," he said. Modi said during his visit he will also express India's support and solidarity for Bangladesh's fight against COVID-19. "As I leave for Bangladesh tomorrow, I look forward to remembering the life and ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and celebrate 50 years of Bangladesh's War of Liberation, as well as our diplomatic ties," Modi tweeted. "Our partnership with Bangladesh is an important pillar of our Neighbourhood First policy, and we are committed to further deepen and diversify it. We will continue to support Bangladesh's remarkable development journey, under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's dynamic leadership," he said. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, while briefing reporters on the PM's visit to Bangladesh, had said on Wednesday that a range of pacts will be signed and new announcements for bolstering cooperation in several areas will be made during the two-day visit. Modi's visit is taking place at a time Bangladesh is commemorating Mujib Borsho, the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of the country's War of Liberation. The two countries are also celebrating 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties. The two prime ministers held a virtual summit on December 17 during which Modi said Bangladesh is a key pillar of New Delhi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, while Hasina described India as a "true friend" and asserted that both countries could play a significant role in the global and regional value chains by further integrating their economies as well as boosting connectivity. During that summit, the two countries had inked seven agreements to further broadbase cooperation in a plethora of sectors, and restored a cross-border rail link snapped by the 1965 war with Pakistan.

Happy my first foreign visit after COVID onset is to friendly neighbour Bangladesh: PM Modi

A giant portrait of Bangladesh's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made from rice paddies is drawing hundreds of visitors as the country gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence.

The 400 metre-long portrait of the father of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was created from planting purple and green rice over 13 hectares (33 acres) of land.

Last year, Hasina unveiled plans for mass celebrations to mark the birth centenary of Mujibur Rahman, who was born on March 17, 1920, as well as the 50 years since the founding of Bangladesh.

Since then, hundreds of sculptures and murals of Sheikh Mujib have been appearing across the country.

Although the commemorations have been overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic, the government has embarked on a mass building of murals and memorials to honour Sheikh Mujib.

This month, visits from the leaders of India, the Maldives and Nepal will kickstart the main celebration events.

Popularly known as Bangabandhu, Mujibur Rahman remains a towering figure in the South Asian nation, in life and death.

His story, which includes legal and political battles long after his demise, is intertwined with the history and politics of Bangladesh, the nation he founded.

Mujibur led the independence struggle in former East Pakistan until March 25, 1971, when Pakistani troops whisked him away to then West Pakistan.

He was interned there for nine months while his followers led the struggle for independence in a months-long guerrilla war, aided by India. The Mukti Bahini, also known as the Bangladesh Forces, was the resistance movement consisting of members of Bangladeshi military, paramilitary and civilians during the War of Liberation that led to the creation of Bangladesh in 1971.

Mujib came back home in January 1972 and took the reins of the war-ravaged country. But he was killed along with most members of his family by rebel army officers on August 15, 1975, setting the country on a long course of military rule.

Sheikh Hasina, one of Mujib’s two daughters who survived the family’s massacre because they were abroad at the time, returned home in 1981, took charge of his Awami League party and became prime minister in 1996.

She vowed to put her father’s killers on trial. Her government revoked the indemnity ordinance in 1996 and cleared the way for a trial of the assassins and coup leaders, beginning with a police complaint identifying 20 accused.

In 1998, a Dhaka judge handed down death sentences on 15 of the 20 accused, of whom only four were in custody. They appealed in the High Court against the verdict, the first of a series of appeals. Three convictions were eventually thrown out, but not for the four in custody.

Another of those convicted was jailed after being extradited from the United States in June 2008, subsequently joining in the appeals.

Between repeated appeals and governments less interested in the case than Hasina, who was out of power from 2001 until early 2009, those convicted remained in prison.

After lengthy hearings, the Supreme Court in November 2009 upheld the sentences on the five as well as six others still at large and believed to be outside the country. Another whose death sentence was upheld died abroad.

A giant portrait of Bangladesh's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made from rice paddies is drawing hundreds of visitors as the country gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence.

A giant portrait of Bangladesh's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made from rice paddies is drawing hundreds of visitors as the country gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence. The 400 metre-long portrait of the father of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was created from planting purple and green rice over 13 hectares (33 acres) of land. Last year, Hasina unveiled plans for mass celebrations to mark the birth centenary of Mujibur Rahman, who was born on March 17, 1920, as well as the 50 years since the founding of Bangladesh. Since then, hundreds of sculptures and murals of Sheikh Mujib have been appearing across the country. Although the commemorations have been overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic, the government has embarked on a mass building of murals and memorials to honour Sheikh Mujib. This month, visits from the leaders of India, the Maldives and Nepal will kickstart the main celebration events. Popularly known as Bangabandhu, Mujibur Rahman remains a towering figure in the South Asian nation, in life and death. His story, which includes legal and political battles long after his demise, is intertwined with the history and politics of Bangladesh, the nation he founded. Mujibur led the independence struggle in former East Pakistan until March 25, 1971, when Pakistani troops whisked him away to then West Pakistan. He was interned there for nine months while his followers led the struggle for independence in a months-long guerrilla war, aided by India. The Mukti Bahini, also known as the Bangladesh Forces, was the resistance movement consisting of members of Bangladeshi military, paramilitary and civilians during the War of Liberation that led to the creation of Bangladesh in 1971. Mujib came back home in January 1972 and took the reins of the war-ravaged country. But he was killed along with most members of his family by rebel army officers on August 15, 1975, setting the country on a long course of military rule. Sheikh Hasina, one of Mujib’s two daughters who survived the family’s massacre because they were abroad at the time, returned home in 1981, took charge of his Awami League party and became prime minister in 1996. She vowed to put her father’s killers on trial. Her government revoked the indemnity ordinance in 1996 and cleared the way for a trial of the assassins and coup leaders, beginning with a police complaint identifying 20 accused. In 1998, a Dhaka judge handed down death sentences on 15 of the 20 accused, of whom only four were in custody. They appealed in the High Court against the verdict, the first of a series of appeals. Three convictions were eventually thrown out, but not for the four in custody. Another of those convicted was jailed after being extradited from the United States in June 2008, subsequently joining in the appeals. Between repeated appeals and governments less interested in the case than Hasina, who was out of power from 2001 until early 2009, those convicted remained in prison. After lengthy hearings, the Supreme Court in November 2009 upheld the sentences on the five as well as six others still at large and believed to be outside the country. Another whose death sentence was upheld died abroad.

In life and death, Mujibur Rahman continues to be a towering figure in Bangladesh

The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Wednesday celebrated the 101st birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, also known as Bangladesh's 'Father of the Nation'.

The day's program began with the hoisting of the national flag by Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran on chancery premises, reported Dhaka Tribune.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bangladesh-kickstarts-golden-jubilee-celebrations-of-countrys-independence-371368" hreflang="en">Bangladesh kickstarts golden jubilee celebrations of country's independence</a>

After the flag hoisting, Imran and other members of the mission placed a wreath on the portrait of Bangabandhu at the Chancery building.

It was followed by reading out of messages from President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam.

Imran during the meeting said that Bangabandhu`s illustrious life was cut short by his assassination in 1975, but his legacy and ideals will inspire the Bengali nation forever, reported Dhaka Tribune.

He also commended his daughter Sheikh Hasina for working with the aim of building `Sonar Bangla`."Our children should learn more about the Father of the Nation, the greatest Bangali of all time, so they can provide future leadership in transforming our country into Sonar Bangla dreamt by him [Bangabandhu]," he said.

A special prayer was offered seeking blessings for Bangabandhu and those brutally killed on August 15, 1975, Dhaka Tribune reported. An art and essay competition and a cultural program were organised by the high commission later.

Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary.

"My heartfelt homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a champion of human rights and freedom, on his birth anniversary. He is a hero for all Indians too. It will be my honour to visit Bangladesh later this month for the historic MujibBorsho celebrations," the Prime Minister tweeted.PM Modi is scheduled to visit Dhaka on March 26 to attend celebrations of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh`s independence and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Rahman was the first President and later the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Wednesday celebrated the 101st birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, also known as Bangladesh's 'Father of the Nation'.

The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Wednesday celebrated the 101st birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, also known as Bangladesh's 'Father of the Nation'. The day's program began with the hoisting of the national flag by Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran on chancery premises, reported Dhaka Tribune. Also see| Bangladesh kickstarts golden jubilee celebrations of country's independence After the flag hoisting, Imran and other members of the mission placed a wreath on the portrait of Bangabandhu at the Chancery building. It was followed by reading out of messages from President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam. Imran during the meeting said that Bangabandhu`s illustrious life was cut short by his assassination in 1975, but his legacy and ideals will inspire the Bengali nation forever, reported Dhaka Tribune. He also commended his daughter Sheikh Hasina for working with the aim of building `Sonar Bangla`."Our children should learn more about the Father of the Nation, the greatest Bangali of all time, so they can provide future leadership in transforming our country into Sonar Bangla dreamt by him [Bangabandhu]," he said. A special prayer was offered seeking blessings for Bangabandhu and those brutally killed on August 15, 1975, Dhaka Tribune reported. An art and essay competition and a cultural program were organised by the high commission later. Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary. "My heartfelt homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a champion of human rights and freedom, on his birth anniversary. He is a hero for all Indians too. It will be my honour to visit Bangladesh later this month for the historic MujibBorsho celebrations," the Prime Minister tweeted.PM Modi is scheduled to visit Dhaka on March 26 to attend celebrations of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh`s independence and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Rahman was the first President and later the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi celebrates birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Bangladesh kickstarts golden jubilee celebrations of country's independence

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