Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), the national trade body of the ICT sector, has organized a special prayer and discussion meeting on the occasion of the 47th martyrdom anniversary of the Father of the Bengali nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Mr. Mustafa Jabbar was the chief speaker at the prayer and discussion meeting which was held at BASIS Auditorium on Monday, 15 August 2022. The discussion meeting was presided over by BASIS President Mr. Russell T Ahmed, while, Vice President (Admin) Mr. Abu Daud Khan moderated the meeting.
The Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mr. Mustafa Jabbar said that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the only leader who could think of an independent Bengali state when none other could. He then led the establishment of Bangladesh, which was unimaginable for someone coming from a remote place of Bangladesh– Tungipara village of Gopalganj. He added, it is a miracle what he did in just three years and seven months after the establishment of Bangladesh as an independent state which is now a development model to the whole world.
Minister further said, He gave a solid base for the technology-driven Bangladesh by becoming a member of ITU in 1973 and launching the Geo-Satellite at Betbunia in 1975. Recalling the heinous incident carried by the anti-liberation force on 15 August 1975, he said that, the brutal incident of 15 August made an environment for Bangladesh to become a Pakistan-like state again. Almost the entire family was killed so that no one could lead from Bangabandhu’s house. But by the Almighty’s will, Sheikh Hasina could emerge as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh after a long struggle being stabbed by many past rulers.
He continued, what our People’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has done for the IT sector of Bangladesh is incredible. From the ICT industry, we should keep supporting her visions to reach. He recalled, in 1996, Sheikh Hasina formed a task force under the leadership of National Professor Jamilur Reza Chowdhury. Based on the recommendations of this committee, BASIS was formed in 1997. BASIS has now become an organization that is a source of pride for us.
BASIS President Mr. Russell T Ahmed said we should remember the sacrifice of Bangabandhu and His family members with respect, dignity, and seriousness. The multidimensional qualities of Bangabandhu’s life philosophy, principles, ideologies, actions, and leadership should be known to all, including future generations. If these qualities can be spread through personal, institutional, and digital platforms among 16.51 crore people of the country, and if one percent of people can be enlightened by these qualities then Bangladesh will surely change.
BASIS Director Mr. AKM Ahmedul Islam Babu, Mr. Mushfiqur Rahman, BASIS Advisory Committee Co-Chairman Shah Imraul Kaeesh, Mr. Uttam Kumar Paul, BASIS Executive Director Mr. Abu Issa Mohammad Mainuddin, Secretary Mr. Hashim Ahmed, Joint Secretary Mr. Enamul Hafiz Latifee, leaders of the BASIS standing sommittees, and significant number of BASIS members were present at commemorating session. Besides, many people of the business fraternity also participated in Zoom and Facebook Live.