In a vibrant atmosphere centered around Bangladesh’s independence, the spirit of the Liberation War, and the role of mass media abroad, California State Awami League accorded a reception to prominent journalist, writer, and online activist Dastagir Jahangir in Los Angeles, USA.
The reception and view-exchange meeting were organized at the local Orchid Restaurant on Thursday evening (May 14), marking the US visit of Dastagir Jahangir, who serves as the editor of The Voice Dot News. The event drew a large gathering of Awami League leaders, members of its associate organizations, and expatriate Bangladeshis living in California who uphold the ideals of the Liberation War.
Presided over by Shafiqur Rahman, President of the California State Awami League, the program was conducted by its Acting General Secretary, Didar Ahmed. The event commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a one-minute silence observed in honor of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War.
During the meeting, Dastagir Jahangir spoke extensively on Bangladesh’s contemporary political climate, distortions of the history of the Liberation War, and the responsibilities of pro-liberation forces living abroad.
He stated, ”Those who deny or undermine the great Liberation War of 1971 for political gain have no moral right to participate in Bangladeshi politics.”
He further added:
“The leadership of Sheikh Hasina is indispensable to maintaining the continuity of Bangladesh’s development, democracy, and non-communal state system. To counter conspiracies against the country, all pro-liberation forces at home and abroad must remain united.”
Criticizing recent political actions against Sheikh Hasina, he remarked, “The so-called kangaroo court under the Muhammad Yunus regime has no legal or moral authority to sentence Sheikh Hasina to death.”
The event was also addressed by freedom fighters Abdur Rob Miah and Noman Chowdhury; Dr. Robi Alam, President of the US West Coast Awami League; Vice-Presidents Shamim Hossain and Kajal Rahman; Joint Secretary Sohel Islam; Advisor Firoz Alam; Organizing Secretary T Jahan Kajal; City Awami League President Mahtab Uddin Tipu; Nazrul Alam, President of Bangabandhu Parishad California; and Chhatra League leader Tanveer Sagar, among other expatriate Awami League members.
The speakers emphasized that even while living abroad, everyone must raise their voices in favor of Bangladesh’s independence, development, and democratic progress. They asserted that there is no alternative to Sheikh Hasina in overcoming the country’s current crises, and it is under her leadership that Bangladesh can move forward.
At the conclusion of the event, Dastagir Jahangir was presented with floral greetings and an honorary memento. This was followed by a dinner hosted for the attending guests. The entire program concluded in a lively, cordial, and engaging atmosphere.
