Historic 7th March celebrated in Japan

The Embassy of Bangladesh, Tokyo on Sunday observed the auspicious Golden Jubilee of the historic 7th March Speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with due respect, solemnity, and fervour.

The day’s programme was inaugurated by placing a floral wreath at the portrait of the Father of the Nation located at the embassy premises in the early morning in which all the embassy officials took part.

In the second part of the event, Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed hoisted the national flag along with the rendition of the national anthem in presence of embassy officials.

This was followed by observance of one-minute silence in remembrance of the Father of the Nation, his family members and the memories of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the journey of independence.

These two segments were conducted in front of the Embassy premises and telecasted live on Zoom.

Following the pandemic guidelines, the program resumed indoors with offering special prayer (munajat) for the salvation of the souls of the Father of the Nation, his family members and for the prosperity of the country.

Prayer was also offered for the peace and prosperity of the country along with the wellbeing of the expatriate Bangladesh Community.

The message issued by President and Prime Minister on “Historic 07 March Speech" were read out.

Ambassador Ahmed paid homage to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and explained the significance of the 7th March speech of Bangabandhu.

He said 7th March is a glorious and important day in the history of Bangladesh, when the saviour of the Bengali nation and poet of politics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared his vision of independence.

His call for freedom on this day was a clear signal to his people that it was time to be ready for independence and it was this call based on which the whole country joined the liberation war and became victorious.

Ambassador Ahmed termed the 7th March speech as the expression of extreme love of Bangabandhu for the nation and the mass people.

A significant number of Bangladesh community members took part in a lively discussion.

The speakers paid their tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

A video documentary was screened on the historic March 7 speech prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Besides an online discussion on “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: His Life and Legacy” was co-organized by the Embassy and the Japan Bangladesh Society (JBS) commemorating the 50th anniversary of the historic 7th March speech.

Monzurul Huq, an advisor of JBS and a renowned journalist of the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan (FCCJ) delivered a lecture on Bangabandhu’s life and work.

He shed light on Bangabandhu’s educational life, political engagement, leadership qualities, struggles and love for mass people and country.

He explained how Bangladesh was born under the visionary leadership of Bangabandhu in his lecture and the legacy that the nation is proudly celebrating.

Ambassador Ahmed said, at the outset of the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation and 50th anniversary of our independence, discussion on Bangabandhu’s life and legacy was time-worthy and significant.

He also said, “We believe, the speech not only served as the ultimate source of inspiration to the Bengali people in their quest for freedom and emancipation but will continue to be relevant and resonate with all those who are fighting oppression and injustice anywhere in the world”.

He thanked JBS and all participants for participating in the event.

Amongst others, Osamu Hayakawa, director of JBS and Masato Watanbe, president of JBS also spoke in the program. Numbers of Japanese people and all the officials of the Embassy participated in the online discussion.

Video of the historic 7th March speech with Japanese sub-title was launched at the event.