Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) hosted a discussion titled "Bangabandhu and The Independence of Bangladesh" on March 29 marking the 102nd birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Independence Day. IUB's School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (SLASS) organised the event in collaboration with the office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor.

In his keynote speech, former central bank governor and currently Bangabandhu Chair Professor at the University of Dhaka's Department of History Dr Atiur Rahman highlighted the relevance of Bangabandhu's aesthetic leadership in today's Bangladesh. 

"Standing in the ruins of a recently emancipated country, Bangabandhu dreamed of a golden Bangla. The future generations should take from his ideals to visualise the development of our country," said Dr Rahman.

In his speech as chief guest, Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) Member Prof. Muhammad Alamgir said, "Citizens of Bangladesh are a unique nation. Their thirst for independence was never quenched. At the same time, this could not have been achieved without a leader like Bangabandhu, who had the vision for an independent country, with self-identity."

IUB VC Tanweer Hasan said, "We organise such events so that our students can analyse and look at our Independence from an academic point of view, without bias. We want our students to gain exposure from imminent individuals who were directly responsible for building this country from scratch."

IUB BoT Member A Quaiyum Khan and Pro-VC Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan also spoke at the program. IUB SLASS Dean Prof. Taiabur Rahman presided over the discussion.

The discussions followed a prize giving ceremony of a public speaking contest. The theme of the contest was "Father of the Nation" in which several IUB students participated. The event concluded with musical and dance performances by IUB students.