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Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Embassy of Bangladesh

Paris, France

Date:  Paris, 30 September 2017

Press Release

 

Subject: Organizing a discussion meeting (মতবিনিময় সভা) at the Embassy on the recent activities of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs of Bangladesh

A 12-member high-level delegation from the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs (MoLWA) of Bangladesh, Dhaka led by its Hon’ble Minister Mr. A. K. M. Mozammel Huq, MP visited Paris from 29 September to 01 October 2017. On the occasion of the visit of the delegation, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Paris organized a discussion meeting (মতবিনিময় সভা) at the Embassy reception hall on 30 September 2017 on the recent activities of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, the role of present Government in improving the status of freedom fighters at both national and societal levels, role of expatriate Bangladesh community on the War of Liberation of Bangladesh etc.

The discussion meeting was an open discussion format which was continuing from 5 pm to 10 pm. It was presided over and conducted by Mr. Hazrat Ali Khan, Charge’ d’affaires of Bangladesh Embassy in Paris. Commercial Counsellor Md. Firoz Uddin, First Secretary Mrs. Anisa R. Amin were present in the event. Other members of the delegation include Mr. Shawpon Bhattacharja, MP and Member, Parliamentary Standing Committee on MoLWA, and Mrs. Tandra Bhattacharja; Begum Kamrul Laila Jolly, MP and Member, Parliamentary Standing Committee on MoLWA, and Mr. Md. Abu Sham; Mr. Sk. Mizanur Rahman, Additional Secretary; Mr. Md. Azizul Alam, Additional Secretary; Mr. Dilip Kumar Bonik, Joint Secretary; Mr. Md. Johurul Islam Rohel, Joint Secretary; Mr. Yunus Miah, Deputy Chief and Mr.  Sufi Abdullahil Maruf, Senior Information Officer of the MoLWA.

 Hon’ble Minister presented an overview before the audience on the sincerity of the present government in improving the status of freedom fighters who fought for the country in 1971. He also responded to a number of questions asked by the freedom fighters, electronic and print media personalities, socio-political personalities present at the meeting. The freedom fighters expressed their deep appreciation and gratitude to the present Government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for providing a series of privileges in different manners to improve the socio-economic condition of freedom fighters.

The expatriate freedom fighters raised various demands for further improvement of the welfare of freedom fighters, with particular emphasis on equal opportunity for freedom fighters regardless of whether they are staying within Bangladesh or abroad. They requested the Government to open a special window to handle the cases of giving certificate and allowances related to freedom fighters staying outside Bangladesh. The freedom fighters asked with a bit resentment to do the needful in breaking the syndicate (Zila Muktijoddha Command + Upazila Muktijoddha Command + Social Welfare Office in the Upazila) that are harassing the freedom fighters while they approach for their services to them. They have placed their demand as to when a freedom fighter would die abroad, his/her dead body to be taken to Bangladesh at government expense with special dignity.

The Hon’ble Minister and his delegation listened to the freedom fighters views and demands and took note with assurances of addressing their demands. The Minister informed that the freedom fighters staying in the country will be provided with 100% medical facilities from next year, and also accommodation facilities will be ensured for them. Hon. MP Mr. Shawpon Bhattacharja, and Hon. MP Begum Kamrul Laila Jolly also spoke in the event.

A significant number of Bangladesh freedom fighters, electronic and print media personalities, socio-political personalities staying in France, and the Embassy officials participated in the discussion meeting. Among others, Mr. Benjeer Ahmed Selim, Mr. Md. Jamirul Islam Miah, Mr. Abdullah Al Baki, Mr. Sheikh Mohammad Ali, Mr. Enamul Hoque, Mr. Nazimuddin Ahmed, , Mr. Sohrab Ali Mridha, Mr. Mr. M A Kashem, Mr. Wahid Veer Taher, Taslim Helal, Mr. Nur Sikder, Mr. Md. Abdul Matin, Mr. Habibur Rahman, Mr. Ziaul Hoq Nasir Chowdhury, Mr. Kamrul Hossain Bokul, Mr. Saleh Ahmed Chowdhury, Mr. Md. Abul Kashem, Mr. Forhad Hossain, Mr. Mintu Md Chowdhury, artist Shahadat Hossain, Mr. Dilwar Hossain Koyes, Ms. Nilufar Jahan Babli, Ms. Shuporna, Professor Apu Alam, Mr. Enayet Hossain Suhel, Mr. Lutfor Rahman Babu, Mr. Ferdous Karim Akhanjee, Mr. M Abdul Malek Himu, Mr. Saiful Islam Khan Majid, Mr. Faisal Uddin, Mr. Atiquzzaman, Mr. S. Shahjahan Sharu, Mr. Shahnawaz Rana, Amin Khan Hajari, Mr. Anwarul Islam, Mr. Zafor Shah and young scientist Dr. Rahat Khan were present in the program.

Recitation from the Holy Quran, Bhagavat Gita, one minute silence showing respect to all the martyrs of the glorious liberation war was observed. A special prayer session seeking Almighty Allah’s blessings for eternal peace of the soul of Bangabandhu and the other martyrs, and in tackling flood situation in the country, resolving the Rohingya crisis etc., and also for the peace and prosperity of the country, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

 

Attachments: 3 Photos of the discussion meeting (Below Page, please)

 

Photo 1: Hon. Minister Mr. A. K. M. Mozammel Huq, MP speaks at the discussion meeting at the Embassy on 30 September; Hon. MPs Mr. Shawpon Bhattacharja and Begum Kamrul Laila Jolly are seen in the picture.

 

Photo 2:  Freedom Fighters and socio-political personalities participating in the discussion meeting at the Embassy on 30 September 2017.

 

Photo 3: Hon. Minister, Hon. MPs, Embassy officials, Freedom Fighters and socio-political personalities observing one minute silence showing respect to all the martyrs of the glorious liberation war in the discussion meeting at the Embassy on 30 September 2017.