Happy birthday Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman! The world thanks you for the ‘anything is possible’ inspiration you spread throughout the world. Writes Richard Andrew Jones
When the annals of world history are written in all their mesmerizing kaleidoscopic colors and glory, Bangladesh will have one name, at least, deeply engraved in gold on the Roll of Honor marble tablet.
Of all the superlative names that emerged worldwide in the last two centuries, the one name that stands out most in Asia – like the proverbial giant standing on the shoulders of giants – is undoubtedly that of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (1920–1975).
While Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, John F Kennedy and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman are all famous for different reasons; greatness is the common denominator that links and ultimately etches their sanctified names in history to inspire and serve future generations and never to be forgotten eternally.
In addition to their colossal tangible contributions to mankind that speaks volumes in their favor, the four also wrote and recited priceless speeches that will outlive time itself.
There was Abraham Lincoln’s ‘Gettysburg Address’ (November 19, 1863); Martin Luther King’s ‘I Had a Dream’ (August 28, 1963); John F Kennedy’s inaugural address ‘Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You’ (January 20, 1961) and the ‘Birth of a Nation’ speech by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of March 7, 1971.
For decades, the latter didn’t actually have a name or title until staunch Bangabandhu aficionado Sir Frank Peters came along in 2000 and became the first person to encapsulate the immortal speech in a long-awaited limited-edition poster. He recognized it as ‘The speech that inspired the birth of a nation… BANGLADESH’ and it stuck ever since.
Thenceforth the speech was removed from its path to obscurity, put on the right track, given a reinvigorated new lease of life and came into the worldwide prominence it deserved. In many quarters it became known as the unofficial Proclamation of Bangladesh.
Sir Frank, a well-known ardent Bangabandhu admirer, promoted the speech worldwide. Presented ‘collector’s item’ copies to royal persons, presidents, prime ministers and political leaders, including Bangabandhu’s daughter and Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina.
Today not only does it hang proudly in prestigious settings worldwide, but can be seen in the Awami League headquarters and the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman museum in Dhanmondi.
In 2010, Sir Frank wrote an impassioned letter to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) suggesting the Bangabandhu’s speech should be given the international credit it richly deserved and for it to be recognized for its world historical significance.
He also wrote to President Barack Obama requesting his support in bringing about that recognition.
On October 30, 2017, the inspiring historic speech was included in the Memory of the World International Register, a list of world’s important documentary heritage, but Sir Frank claims no credit for its inclusion.
“I am sure other Bangabandhu admirers and most probably the Prime Minister, became involved behind the scenes and carried the baton over the finish line, which I wasn’t able to do,” he humbly said.
In his thinking, the brilliant speech should have been recognized decades earlier.
He said: “its recognition by UNESCO in 2017 is the correction of an historic error that should never have happened, but late is better than never. At least it shines the spotlight on a leader who should never have been in the shadows and the present as-well-as future generations of Bangladesh can rejoice knowing another one of their distinguished countrymen is internationally lauded, as is son of the soil, Rabindranath Tagore.”
Thursday, March 17 is an auspicious occasion. That is the date in 1920 the great man Bangabandhu entered this world destined to achieve greatness and to inspire and bring about change never before witnessed on the Asian subcontinent.
It is also St. Patrick’s Day, which makes it a double celebration in Bangladesh for many. St. Patrick’s Day is a sort-of religious festival, but unlike any other religious festivals ever known. If there were a Patron Saint of Fun, St. Patrick would be it!
While St. Patrick’s Day began as a Christian celebration, over time it lost its Christian exclusivity and now embraces all color, race and creed. It’s simply a day for the world to celebrate life and enjoy what God has bequeathed!
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and the birth of Bangabandhu – the Father of the Nation – is a match made in Heaven.
Happy birthday Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman! The world thanks you for the ‘anything is possible’ inspiration you spread throughout the world.
Viva Bangladesh! Joy Bangla!
Richard Andrew Jones was born in Cardiff, Wales, and is a senior international financial adviser in the banking industry.
