Speakers at a discussion here today remembered the contributions of the young Bengali diplomats who changed their elegance to the exile Bangladesh government in 1971 risking their jobs and careers to uphold democracy, justice, human rights and dignity.
The foreign ministry organized the discussion to mark the Foreign Service Day of Bangladesh at Foreign Service academy in the capital.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen spoke at the discussion as the chief guest while State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam spoke as special guest.
Prime Minister's Energy Adviser Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury Bir Bikram, Mahbub Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, Bhutanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, former Under-Secretary-General and High Representative of the United Nations Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury, former Ambassador Md. Waliur Rahman, acting Foreign Secretary Rear Admiral (Retd) Md Khurshed Alam, Foreign Office Spouses' Association (FOSA) Chief Patron Selina Momen, its President Fahmida Jabeen and a young diplomat - Sayeda Sumaiya Tarannum also shared their thoughts at the discussion.
On this day in 1971, 42 years ago, Bangladeshi diplomats and staff stationed in Calcutta defying the oppressive and occupation regime of Pakistan took over the Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner's Office and hoisted the Bangladesh national flag atop and thus established the first Bangladesh Mission abroad.
Therefore, this day is very significant for the independent and sovereign country of Bangladesh.
Momen said Bangladeshis had fought to "uphold democracy, justice, human rights and human dignity."
He mentioned that they sometimes forget that these young people sacrificed their jobs and smooth career to uphold democracy, human rights and dignity.
"We showed time and again how to face challenges. We are lucky that we got a leader like Bangabandhu," Momen said.
A list of diplomats who declared allegiance to the government of sovereign and independent Bangladesh in 1971 was unveiled at the event.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha