09 December,2020, Abuja: As a part of year-long celebratory programmes of Bangladesh High Commission, Abuja, Nigeria to observe the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a discussion was held on ‘Bangabandhu and Internationalism’ in Abuja University, Abuja, Nigeria on 07 December,2020. The discussion focused on Bangabandhu’s philosophy and thoughts on foreign policy and international relations. Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, Vice Chancellor of Abuja University and Bidosh Chandra Barman, First Secretary and Acting High Commissioner participated at the discussion, among others.
In his remarks, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah mentioned that Bangabandhu was a man who worked not only for the freedom of his country, but also devoted himself for the entire humanity. The Vice Chancellor also mentioned that Bangabandhu was a great man and leader while adding that in today’s challenging times, Bangabandhu’s vision continues to be relevant around the Africa and beyond. He also spoke about the colonial experience of Bangladesh and Nigeria while stressing the need for further strengthening bilateral relations between the countries.
On his part, Acting High Commissioner mentioned that world peace was the principle of Bangabandhu’s philosophy and ideals of life while adding that ‘Friendship to all, malice towards none’ was masterstroke of Bangabandhu’s foreign policy which had translated his expression of love for the people across the world. Highlighting Bangabandhu’s thoughts on international peace, Mr. Barman mentioned that Bangabandhu spoke for the oppressed, suppressed, exploited and rights-deprived people of the world. He further mentioned that Bangabandhu advocated for world peace as he pronounced in the United General Assembly in 1974, ‘Peace is imperative for survival of humanity’. Bangabandhu underlined the importance of peace for the development of humanity while he supported the struggle against colonialism, imperialism and apartheid for freedom and self-determination, no matter which part of the world they belonged to as well as inspired the world leaders to march forward. Bangabandhu became an inspiration for people everywhere in a post-colonial world with his philosophy of peace.