After the nine-month bloody Liberation War in 1971, Bangladesh successfully gained independence and the right to be recognized as a country on the world map. The country recently marked the golden jubilee of independence and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu with a 10-day programme, including a discussion at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka. Author Selina Hossain, Education Minister Dipu Moni, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam participated in the event on the theme "Banglar Mati, Amar Mati" (Bengal’s Soil, My Soil). Nepal's President Bidya Devi Bhandari joined Bangladesh President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in celebrating these important milestones. Selina highlighted Sheikh Mujib's role in establishing the secular Bengali nationalist identity on a global scale. She observed that Bangabandhu had insisted on changing the name of then East Pakistan to Purbo Bangla during his speech to the assembly on Aug 25, 1955. She quoted from a speech Bangabandhu made upon his return home after being released from a Pakistani jail, where he declared, “I will not dishonor my Bengali nation in my death. I will not beg for pardon. While I pass, I will scream: Joy Bangla, Free Bangla, Bengali is my nation, Bangla is my language, the land of Bangla is my place.” Shahriar also referenced Bangabandhu’s address to a rally at the Suhrawardy Udyan on Jun 7, 1972, where he stated, “Today I can say that I am a Bengali; I can say that Bengali is a nation; I can say that Bangla’s soil is my soil.” Despite his killers taking him from us, we continue to follow the path he showed us. Dipu Moni stated that he is the eternal source of our motivation. Bhandari mentioned that Bangabandhu has not only captured the affection of Bengalis, but is also a respected leader in the region. She further highlighted that as a skilled speaker, organizer, and advocate, Bangabandhu gained the support of the people of Bangladesh and achieved the objective of establishing a new nation. Hamid urged politicians to initiate a fresh era in politics by setting aside party differences and focusing on improving the lives of the country's neediest and most vulnerable individuals, following the spirit of independence and Bangabandhu's principles. In order to commemorate the dual events, Hasina urged global leaders to prioritize sustainable development and cautioned that efforts to adapt to climate change will not be effective in safeguarding the most vulnerable countries unless the current trajectory is reversed. The second session of the program featured a musical performance by an orchestra. Nepalese artists showcased their traditional dance, along with other attractions. Additionally, a Jatrapala (folk theatre drama) titled 'Ma, Mati O Manush' was presented during the event. Following this, a total of 100 folk singers performed in unison. The President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, have already traveled to Bangladesh to participate in the festivities. The Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lotay Tshering, and the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, are also expected to attend as guests.