During a recent climate protest event in Dhaka, Khalidi highlighted the impact of people power in global protests. He drew parallels between Gandhi and Bangabandhu, both of whom led non-violent movements against oppressive forces. Gandhi's efforts indirectly led to violence in post-1947 India, while Bangabandhu faced brutal military opposition from the Pakistani army during his protests. Khalidi points out that the influence of leaders like Gandhi and Bangabandhu can be seen in the current climate protests led by young activists worldwide. Recently, the #ShutdownDC protest saw thousands of activists bring traffic to a standstill in the US capital without resorting to violence. Khalidi emphasized the urgent need for action against climate change, stating that the destruction of nature poses a greater threat than all the wars in human history combined. He also noted that Gandhi and Bangabandhu worked towards creating fair and safe societies during their lifetimes. Khalidi, along with historian Dr Muntasir Mamun, spoke about the shared goals of climate protesters at a seminar organized by the Gandhi Ashram Trust to honor the 150th and 100th birth anniversaries of the founding fathers of India and Bangladesh. The event, held at the National Museum in Shahbagh, was also attended by various notable figures including Agriculture Minister Dr Mohammed Abdur Razzaque, former fisheries and livestock minister Narayon Chandra Chanda, Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Riva Ganguly Das, and Gandhi Ashram Trust’s Chairman Swadesh Roy. Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque highlighted the impact of Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on contemporary issues during the discussion. Photo: Mostafigur Rahman. Photo: Mostafigur Rahman Religion had a significant impact on politics during the eras of Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu, however, they did not engage in politics based on religion, as stated by the agriculture minister. He emphasized that both Bangabandhu and Gandhi understood that religion should not be utilized for political gain, with Gandhi even denouncing religious fanatics who exploited religion for their own agenda. The minister highlighted Bangabandhu's strong belief in this principle, mentioning how the Awami Muslim League was originally formed by separating from the Muslim League and eventually removing the word "Muslim" from its name. Razzaque, a member of the Awami League’s presidium, stated that during that time, the Muslim League was seen as synonymous with religion. Criticizing the Muslim League was seen as criticizing religion itself. Bangabandhu took steps against the Muslim League, as mentioned by Razzaque. The minister also noted that Gandhi's words and tactics remain relevant today. Gandhi demonstrated through his movement against the powerful British forces that nonviolence and non-cooperation can be just as effective. Nonviolent resistance requires active participation and inspiration, according to High Commissioner Riva Das. She explained that Mahatma Gandhi believed in the power of righteousness, truth, and moral courage over force, might, and imposed submission. History shows that violence only leads to more violence, breeding hatred and revenge. She also cited Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr as examples of successful nonviolent leaders. Das emphasized the importance of applying Gandhi and Bangabandhu's ideals in everyday life, rather than just during specific events. Narayon Chandra Chanda, a former minister and member of parliament, emphasized the importance of young people in Bangladesh embracing the spirit of the Liberation War as they strive for development. He urged them to honor the sacrifices of Bangabandhu and the freedom fighters by working towards building a diverse and multicultural nation. Speaking at a discussion organized by Gandhi Ashram Trust, Narayon highlighted the unwavering commitment of both Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu to securing the rights of the people through nonviolent means, even in their personal lives. Despite facing allegations of corruption, Bangabandhu's integrity remained intact as he never compromised on his principles. Professor Muntasir Mamun, a history teacher at Dhaka University, spoke at a discussion organized by Gandhi Ashram Trust at the Begum Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He mentioned that Gandhi kept politics separate from religion, and also commented on the intelligence reports about Bangabandhu, stating that there is no evidence of him using religion in politics. Prof Mamun criticized the ruling party's policies, noting that even Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League have utilized religion in some capacity after his passing. The journalist Swadesh Roy encouraged the youth to follow the examples set by Gandhi and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in order to address global problems. The seminar was moderated by Raha Naba Kumar, the Trust's Director, who emphasized that the teachings of these two great leaders are still relevant in overcoming current injustices and issues. Khalidi highlighted how Gandhi and Bangabandhu utilized their networking skills and ability to inspire the masses through personal sacrifices in their fight for freedom. He also pointed out that the stories of these leaders are particularly applicable in addressing contemporary problems, such as climate change, where the wealthy and powerful are often the main culprits. According to Khalidi, the countries with the most advanced economies and mechanised societies are the biggest polluters, capable of destroying human civilization multiple times over in a matter of minutes or seconds. He also highlighted how both Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman fought against the mighty and powerful during their lifetimes, teaching the world how to deal with and defeat them. It is believed that even in the afterlife, they continue to make an impact. Toufique Imrose Khalidi, Editor-in-Chief of bdnews24.com, 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. Khalidi highlighted that Bangladeshi households are spending nearly Tk 158 billion a year on repairing damages from climate change and taking preventive measures, which is significantly more than what international donors provide and double the amount spent by the government. This financial burden is forcing rural families to divert resources and borrow from informal sources at high-interest rates, pushing them further into poverty. According to the International Institute for Environment and Development, both Gandhi and Bangabandhu would have spoken up to help these families, as mentioned by Khalidi. Even though they are no longer present, their influence continues to shape the world. For example, Bangabandhu's leadership during the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971 garnered global support despite facing opposition from powerful nations.