[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 48 (Thursday, March 12, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E305-E306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             ANNIVERSARY OF BIRTH OF SHAIKH MUJIBUR RAHMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ANDY LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 12, 2020

  Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
anniversary of the birth of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, recognized as the 
``Founding Father'' of the nation of Bangladesh.
   Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, called ``Mujib,'' is also known as ``Bangha 
Bandu,'' a title that means ``Friend of the Bengal.'' In recognition of 
the 100th year since the birth of Sheikh Mujib, the government of 
Bangladesh is celebrating March 17, 2020 through March 17, 2021 as 
``Mujib Borsho,'' or the ``Mujib Year.''
   Sheikh Mujib was born on March 17, 1920, in the province of Bengal, 
in what was then British India. Just over half a century later, on 
March 7, 1971, he would call for East Pakistan to become the 
independent nation of Bangladesh. He was subsequently arrested, but his 
vision for Bengalis would soon become a reality. Following a brutal war 
for independence, during which an estimated 300,000 to 3,000,000 people 
lost their lives, the nation of Bangladesh was born on December 16, 
1971. Sheikh Mujib was released from prison and became the first 
President of Bangladesh, serving in that office from April 17, 1971 to 
January 12, 1972. In January of 1972, he was elected Prime Minister of 
the first Parliament of Bangladesh.
   In 1975, Sheikh Mujib and most of his family were assassinated. Just 
two of his daughters, current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh 
Rehana, were spared, as they were living in what was West Germany at 
the time.
   The centennial of the birth of the ``Founding Father'' of 
Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujib, is deeply meaningful to the people of 
Bangladesh and to those throughout the world with personal connections 
to the country. Events are being organized in the United States and 
around the world to commemorate this historical event. I encourage my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing those working to honor 
Bangladesh's history and commemorate this event, including Dr. MD. 
Rabbi Alam, Convener of Bangabandhu Parishad USA and a resident of my 
home state of Michigan.
   I urge my colleagues to join me in standing with the people of 
Bangladesh, and those in

[[Page E306]]

the Bangladeshi American community, as they celebrate the centennial of 
the birth of Sheikh Mujib.

                          ____________________