Bangabandhu’s 7th March speech becomes world’s documentary heritage

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has recognised the historic 7th March Speech of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, as part of world's documentary heritage.

UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova announced the decision on Monday at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, according to a foreign ministry press release issued on Tuesday, October 31st.

The release said the historic 7th March speech of Bangabandhu has been included in the Memory of the World International Register, a list of world's important documentary heritage maintained by the UNESCO.

The Memory of the World International Register is a list of documents having global significance. The objective of creating the International Register is to ensure preservation of, and access to, documentary heritage in various parts of the world.

A document to be included in the Memory of the World International Registrar has to satisfy UNESCO that the document bears immense significance and forms part of documentary heritage of the world at large.

The International Advisory Committee (IAC) is responsible for recommending whether or not a document qualifies for inclusion in the Memory of the World International Register.

The International Advisory Committee during its meeting from 24 to 27 October 2017 recommended the 7th March speech for inscription on the Memory of the World International Register.

The Memory of the World Register now includes a total of 427 documents and collection from all continents.

"The world will now get to know more about our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and our glorious Liberation War," said Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali while commenting on the UNESCO's decision.

The 7th March speech of Bangabandhu provided inspiration to the Bengali nation in their quest for freedom and emancipation. The speech also energised the entire nation and prepared the people for the liberation struggle.

It also served as the ultimate source of inspiration for the countless freedom fighters who joined the Mukti Bahini.

Bangabandhu's speech is played throughout the country during various national occasions and continues to reverberate in hearts and minds of the Bengali people. This speech continues to enthrall people and will continue to inspire succeeding generations of this country.

Education Minister and the Chairman of the Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO Nurul Islam Nahid today made a call to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and congratulates her at this historical occasion, said a press release yesterday.

In reply, Prime Minister also thanked Director General of UNESCO Ms. Irina Bokova, for her continuous support to Bangladesh and also thanked Nurul Islam Nahid and the Bangladesh Delegation to the ongoing UNESCO General Conference and other members of the delegation.