The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The need for strengthening the nation by improving the state of education, science and communication technology with a view to safeguarding its independence and sovereignty was emphasised at a discussion meeting in the city yesterday.

Sector Commander of the War of Independence Hamidullah Khan Bir Pratik was the chief guest at the meeting organised by the Jatiya Muktijoddha Parishad at the Institute of Diploma Engineers. Khan told the meeting that some external powers did not like Bangladesh to develop and wanted to turn it into market of their merchandise.

Poet Al Mahmud, Naya Diganta editor, Alamgir Mohiuddin, Engr Moslem Uddin, central president of Jatiya Muktijoddha Parishad, writer and columnist Dr Rezwan Siddiqui, Mostafa Kamal Majumder, editor, The New Nation, Mohammad Iqbal, secretary general of the parishad spoke at the discussion meeting which was presided over by Advocate Hannan Hossain, president, Dhaka city unit of the Parishad.

Wing Commander (retd) Hamidullah Khan narrated his personal experience of the war of independence and said that a feeling of deprivation should not overtake the people on the Independence and National Day. Rather the spirit of patriotism should inspire the people towards the achievement of newer successes for the development of the country, he said.

He said that the people of the country have merit and are establishing themselves in different parts of the world through sheer hard work, and thus there is no reason to feel that they cannot develop their own country. We have to get friendship not enmity from our big neighbour through creative relationship, he said.

The valiant freedom fighter, however, cautioned against certain elements which worked against the interests of the country for very small personal or group benefits. The people should have to be cautious about such people with a view to safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of the country, he said.

Poet Al Mahmud said that Bangladesh would continue to remain and independent and sovereign only by the strength of its people a bulk majority of whom was Muslim and spoke a common Bangla language. He called for safeguarding the traits of national identity for protecting independence and sovereignty of the country.

Md Moslem Uddin in his inaugural address called for unity as against differences, tolerance as against mudslingng, honesty not corruption, elected governance in place of undemocratic rule and self reliance as against dependence on foreign help to ensure accelerated development of Bangladesh.

He also emphasised the need for establishing the honour and dignity of freedom fighters by giving up neglect, and creation of morals by rejecting obscenity. Establishment of these ideals should for the pledges of the Independence Day this year, he added.