During a recent climate protest event in Dhaka, Khalidi discussed the impact of people power in worldwide demonstrations. He pointed out the similarities between Gandhi and Bangabandhu in leading nonviolent movements against oppressive forces. Gandhi faced indirect violence post-1947 in India, while Bangabandhu encountered brutal military power from the Pakistani army in response to his peaceful protests. The resistance that followed, in various forms, led to victories for both of our heroes. Khalidi suggests that the ongoing climate protests organized by young activists worldwide show the influence of pioneering leaders like Gandhi and Bangabandhu. The recent #ShutdownDC protests brought traffic to a standstill in the US capital without violence, demonstrating the urgent need to address climate change. Khalidi emphasizes the protesters' call for action against the devastating impact of climate change on the planet and its inhabitants. Gandhi and Bangabandhu's work for fair and safe societies continues to inspire the fight for environmental justice. Khalidi mentioned that these climate protesters share a common goal during a seminar on the founding fathers of India and Bangladesh, which was organized by the Gandhi Ashram Trust to honor their birth anniversaries. The event at the National Museum in Shahbagh was attended by various dignitaries, including Agriculture Minister Dr Mohammed Abdur Razzaque, former minister Narayon Chandra Chanda, Indian High Commissioner Riva Ganguly Das, and Gandhi Ashram Trust’s Chairman Swadesh Roy. Razzaque spoke about the lives of Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu, highlighting how they influenced the issues of their era. In the times of Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu, religion had a significant impact on politics, but they never engaged in politics that were based on religion, as stated by the agriculture minister. Both leaders understood that religion should not be exploited for political gain. Bangabandhu was firm in his belief that religion should not be used in politics, a sentiment shared by Gandhi who considered those who used religion for political purposes as enemies of the people. The minister also highlighted the founding of the Awami Muslim League, which later removed the word "Muslim" from its name after breaking away from the Muslim League. At that time, the Muslim League was seen as synonymous with religion. Going against the Muslim League was considered going against religion. Bangabandhu took brave actions in opposition to the Muslim League, as stated by Razzaque, a member of the Awami League's presidium. The minister mentioned that Gandhi's words and tactics remain relevant today. Through his movement against the powerful British forces, Gandhi demonstrated the effectiveness of nonviolence and non-cooperation. High Commissioner Riva Das emphasized the importance of participation and inspiration in nonviolent resistance, stating that it is more effective. She highlighted Mahatma Gandhi's belief that strength comes from righteousness, power from truth, and victory from moral courage. Das pointed out that history shows that violence only begets more violence, leading to a cycle of hatred and revenge. She also mentioned Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr as examples of leaders who achieved great things through nonviolence. Das encouraged everyone to embody the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu in their daily lives, rather than confining them to specific events. During a discussion organized to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, former minister Narayon Chandra Chanda urged the youth of Bangladesh to embrace the spirit of the Liberation War while progressing towards development. He emphasized the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by Bangabandhu and the freedom fighters by working towards creating a multicultural nation that celebrates diversity. Narayon highlighted that both Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu were steadfast in their commitment to advocating for the rights of the people through nonviolent means, and they upheld these principles in their personal lives as well. Despite facing allegations of corruption, Bangabandhu's integrity remained unblemished as he never wavered from his ideals. Professor Muntasir Mamun, a history professor at Dhaka University, spoke at a discussion organized by Gandhi Ashram Trust at the Begum Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum on Thursday to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In his speech, Professor Mamun highlighted Gandhi's religious piety and his ability to keep politics separate from religion. He also referenced intelligence reports on Bangabandhu, which are being published as a book, stating that no evidence suggests Bangabandhu used religion in politics. Professor Mamun criticized the ruling party's use of religion in politics, even after Bangabandhu's death, including by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. Journalist Swadesh Roy encouraged youth to follow the example set by the two great leaders in order to address global issues. Raha Naba Kumar, the Trust's Director, moderated the seminar and emphasized that both Gandhi and Bangabandhu led their countries' fights for freedom by utilizing their networking skills and ability to connect with people. Khalidi stated that the impact of these leaders extends beyond their lifetimes and their stories are still relevant in addressing contemporary injustices worldwide. He also noted that it is troubling that the wealthy and powerful individuals are often the main contributors to climate issues. The primary polluters are the advanced economies, highly mechanized societies capable of causing rapid destruction multiple times over, as stated by Khalidi. Both Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman fought against the powerful during their lifetimes, teaching the world how to overcome them. It is believed that even in the afterlife, they continue to make a positive impact. At an event organized by Gandhi Ashram Trust to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, bdnews24.com Editor-in-Chief Toufique Imrose Khalidi highlighted the significant financial burden faced by Bangladeshi households due to climate change. A British think tank revealed that households in Bangladesh are spending nearly Tk 158 billion annually on repairing damages caused by climate change and implementing preventive measures. Khalidi emphasized that this amount is significantly higher than the international aid received by Bangladesh and the government's own expenditure on climate change. As a result, rural families are being forced to redirect their resources towards combating the impacts of climate change, often resorting to borrowing from informal sources at high interest rates and falling deeper into poverty. The report comes from the International Institute for Environment and Development. Khalidi stated that Gandhi and Bangabandhu would have spoken up to help these families, but their influence continues even though they are no longer alive. For example, Bangabandhu's leadership from afar garnered international support despite resistance from powerful nations during Bangladesh's struggle in 1971.