Today (5 August 2023) Bangladesh Embassy, Tokyo observed the 74th Birth Anniversary of the valiant Freedom Fighter Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Chancery in a befitting manner. The program started in the morning with the placing of floral wreath at the portrait of Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal, which was followed by offering of special prayer for him and all martyred family members of the Father of the Nation. The messages issued by the Hon’ble President and the Hon’ble Prime Minister on the occasion were read out by Embassy officials.
In his remarks, H.E. the Ambassador paid profound tribute to the Father of the Nation and prayed for his departed soul. He paid homage to the four national leaders as well. He remembered with deep sadness Bangamata Fazilatun Nessa Mujib and other family members of the Father of the Nation including Freedom Fighter Shaheed Sheikh Kamal who embraced martyrdom on the fateful night of August 15, 1975. He recalled with admiration the sufferings of our fearless freedom fighters and the oppressed womenfolk during the war of liberation. He also remembered the innumerable martyrs who sacrificed their lives in all the mass movements including the language movement of 1952, the six-point demand of 1966 and the mass upsurge of 1969 for establishing human and democratic rights leading to the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. H.E. the Ambassador mentioned in his remark that valiant Freedom Fighter Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal, who was born on this day, was a youthful character and a pioneer sports and cultural organizer in Bangladesh. He established ‘Abahani Krira Chakra’ which is now grown to become ‘Abahani Limited Dhaka’ - the top professional sports club in Bangladesh. The Ambassador added Sheikh Kamal with his modern outlook and youthful character would have done much more for the country if he had remained alive, highlighting the significant contributions he made to the country's politics, culture, youth and sports.
A discussion on the life and work of Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal was held following the address of H.E. the Ambassador. Mentioning that Sheikh Kamal's goal was to build better sports organizations for youth and children to have a better life, the speakers highlighted the role of Sheikh Kamal in shaping the country's sports and cultural arena after independence. They recalled the contribution of Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal in various areas including his involvement in the mass upsurge of 1969 and active participation in the liberation war of 1971. They said Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal showed diverse talent for his time. In addition to his prowess in sports, he was actively involved in cultural and aesthetic activities like music, acting and debating. As a student of Dhaka University’s Social Science Department, Shaheed Captain Kamal tried to represent Bangladesh and Bengali culture. All the speakers recalled and admired his simple lifestyle and progressive vision.
A documentary was screened on the life and work of Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal. Light refreshments were served at the end of the programme. The programme concluded by thanking everyone for their spontaneous participation and cooperation.
