Bangladesh Embassy in Washington observes National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC has observed National Revolution and Solidarity Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony, a discussion and prayers, highlighting the significance of November 7 in the country's history.
Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam hoisted the national flag on the embassy premises at 9:30 am on November 7, marking the beginning of the observance, according to an embassy press release received here.
A discussion was held at the embassy auditorium at 10 am with the participation of leaders of the expatriate Bangladeshi community.
Addressing the programme, the ambassador said the life, work and visionary leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had guided Bangladesh at a critical juncture.
"On November 7, Bangladesh emerged from chaos and returned to order under Ziaur Rahman's leadership. November 7 is therefore a highly significant day in Bangladesh's history," he said.
Embassy Press Minister Golam Mortoza, in his remarks, challenged what he described as false narratives surrounding the events of November 1975, saying Ziaur Rahman had been blamed for incidents in which he had no involvement.
He said Khaled Mosharraf staged the November 3 coup and placed then Army Chief Major General Ziaur Rahman under house arrest. The four Awami League leaders were murdered in prison that same night, he said.
"Yet attempts are made to place the blame on Ziaur Rahman," Mortoza said.
He further said it was Khaled Mosharraf who sent Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's killers abroad.
Referring to the killings of army officers on November 4, 5 and 6, Mortoza said Ziaur Rahman remained in captivity during those events. He attributed responsibility for the killings to Khaled Mosharraf and Colonel Taher, arguing that Ziaur Rahman had nevertheless been blamed.
The press minister also disputed the account that Colonel Taher had freed Ziaur Rahman, describing it as "one of the greatest falsehoods in history".
"The truth is that ordinary soldiers freed him. Colonel Taher wanted to use Ziaur Rahman, but Ziaur Rahman did not allow himself to be used," he said.
First Secretary Md Abedur Rahman and Second Secretary Md Arifur Rahman read out messages from the President and the Prime Minister, respectively.
Counsellor and Head of Chancery Prabash Lamarong moderated the programme.
The observance concluded with prayers for those martyred on November 7.
