By Roy Lie Atjam
The Hague August 15 2022. H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in the Netherlands observed a solemn National Day of Mourning.
This year is the 47th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, whom stood for secularism, pluralism, murdered at the age of 55 years. It is, therefore, appropriate to solemnly pay deep respect. On the program was also the screening of “Hasina- A Daughters Tale” a documentary movie.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cautions her people of possible repetition of 1975 carnage. In a newspaper interview with The Economic Times on 21 Aug.2022, Hasina stated, “More attacks may come. The August 15, 1975 attack was carried out when Bangabandhu started the country’s development. Today, Bangladesh became a developing nation and is heading towards becoming a developed one – those who don’t like this, will not sit idle, they will attack – so be alert about this,” Sheikh Hasina said.”
The National Memorial was attended by Ambassadors, among them Costa Rica, Philippines, diplomats from Belarus and others.
Drs. Jan Pronk, former Dutch Minister of Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade (1973-77, 1989-98), delivered the keynote address. A media release by the Bangladesh Mission stated the following.
Veteran Dutch politician Jan Pronk shed light on Bangladesh’s development, independence struggle and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s outstanding leadership in the 70s in the commemorative event by the Bangladesh Embassy to the Netherlands organised at The Humanity Hub in The Hague.
He also recalled his spirited interaction with Bangabandhu in Dhaka in 1973; and lauded leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Pronk was Dutch Minister of Development Cooperation & Foreign Trade for two terms (1973-77, 1989-98). He played a key role in augmenting development cooperation to Bangladesh from the Netherlands and Europe as a whole (EEE) immediately following Bangladesh’s independence.
In the event, he released e-version of the Dutch edition of Bangabandhu’s Unfinished Memoirs on 150 e-book sites and online markets. From today, Dutch-speaking people worldwide can buy the Dutch version for just €4.95.
After translating and printing the Dutch version (hard copy) in March 2021, Bangladesh Embassy took steps this innovative initiative and realised in one year. This will now be the only digital version of any edition of Bangabandhu’s book, globally.
At the launch of the e-version of the Dutch edition, 4 Podcasts out of the Dutch edition were also made available which can be accessed at the Embassy’s website.
Afterwards, “Hasina- A Daughters Tale” was screened for the Ambassadors, diplomats and Dutch dignitaries present. Copies of the Dutch edition were presented to the guests as well.
15 August 2022 has been a day full of activities, the National Day of Mourning, the screening of a documentary film and the launching of a book.
