Calls to bring to justice the assassins of hero of Bangladesh's liberation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were made on the anniversary of his killing in a military coup 34 years ago, with former senior diplomats and Indian army and police officials paying rich tributes to him.
The commemorative function, held at Bangladesh High Commission here Saturday, saw the speakers recalling the leadership qualities of 'Bangabandhu', the founding father of Bangladesh, and paying homage to his family members killed on the night of August 15, 1975.
Maj Gen (Retd) J F R Jacob, who led the Indian army in liberating Bangladesh, described Sheikh Mujib as a "great leader of a great nation" and said that in his death, "we lost a great friend".
Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Muchkund Dubey said Mujib was a "great world leader" and recalled a public meeting that was addressed by the 'Bangabandhu' in early 1970s. "I had never seen such a huge public meeting in my life," he said.
Former IPS officer Ved Marwah, who had accompanied Mujib from Heathrow airport to Dhaka via New Delhi after the latter's release from a prison in Pakistan, reminisced that journey, saying "when Mujib came to know I knew some Bangla, he asked me to be seated next to him and spoke about his vision of the new-born Bangladesh he was yet to see".
Marwah said the charismatic leader had a very "sharp memory" and during his visit to London after becoming the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, "Mujib invited me and my wife for a tea at the London's Claridges Hotel and we spent 45 minutes with him".
{{/usCountry}}Marwah said the charismatic leader had a very "sharp memory" and during his visit to London after becoming the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, "Mujib invited me and my wife for a tea at the London's Claridges Hotel and we spent 45 minutes with him".
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