Ambassador Abida Islam of Bangladesh in Seoul hosted a reception at the Emerald Room of the Lotte Hotel in Seoul on July 1, 2021 to mark the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of Bangladesh. Ambassador Islam took the initiative to translate The Unfinished Memoirs--the autobiography of the Father of the Nation into the Korean language.
The book was translated into the Korean language by Lee Dong-heon and published by Moraeal LLC. The books were made available both in the book stores in Korea as well as online platforms.
Foreign Minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen of Bangladesh and Curator Md. Nazrul Islam Khan of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum, sent video messages on the occasion of the unveiling ceremony of “The Unfinished Memoirs.” Foreign Minister Momen in his congratulatory message said that Bangabandhu’s political vision as well as his unremitting support for humanism and world peace are reflected in his autobiography.
He expressed hope that the Korean version of The Unfinished Memoirs will provide a unique opportunity to the friendly people of Korea to learn about the life of this greatest Bengali of all times, his universal vision and philosophy, and his contributions to the creation of Bangladesh. His expectations were echoed by Curator Md. Nazrul Islam Khan. In his video message he said that The Unfinished Memoirs is not only an autobiography but also a record of the political and socio-cultural history of Bangladesh and its Korean translation will help the Korean people know about the commonality of the two nations in their struggle for independence.
National Assemblyman Sul Hoon and Director-general Lee Sangryol, of the Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs graced the occasion as the Guests of Honour at the book launching ceremony.
In his congratulatory remark, Rep. Sul said that as the founding father and leader of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu aspired and enabled the Bangladeshi people to preserve their language and culture and live in peace on their ancestral land. As the Father of the Nation, he exerted unparalleled leadership in rebuilding the country and promoting democracy and peace. He also stated that ‘we still have an “unfinished history”--a peaceful reunification of two Koreas.
In this regard, it is said that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s life and the history of Bangladesh inspire the politicians to reflect on how much commitment and dedication and what leadership it takes to achieve a true unity of our nation.’
In his remarks, Director General Lee Sangryol pointed out the diplomatic and charismatic aspects of Bangabandhu’s personality. He said that Bangabandhu’s vision of friendship and non-violence resonates in the hearts of the peace-loving people of the world particularly of the Korean people who have gone through thick and thin throughout the history. He also highlighted the growing bilateral cooperation between the two countries particularly following the visit of the former Prime Minister Lee-Nak-yon to Bangladesh on July 13-15, 2019 when he visited the country as a member of the delegation as well.
The event was attended by ambassadors, diplomats, officials of the Korean Government, members of the civil society, representatives of the print and electronic media and the expatriate Bangladesh community living in Seoul. They included Ambassadors Carlos Victor Boungou of Gabon (dean of the Seoul Diplomatic Corps), Bader Mohammad AlAwadi of Kuwait and A. Hakim Ataurl of Afghanistan.
Among the Korean guests in attendance from the mass communications media in Seoul was Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post media (publisher of 3 English and 2 Korean news publications) with Editors Kevin Lee and Sung Jung-wook. There also were Managing Director Tristan (Tong Ryung) Choi of Youngone Business Group (largest Korean business conglomerate in Bangladesh), Honorary Consul General David Kim (chairman of KHI), Prof. Kang Sung-yong of SNUAC, Director Shin Kyung-ae of KeunSaeNara Entertainment and Standing Auditor Lee Dongheon of Sigong Tech.
In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Abida Islam recalled with profound reverence the greatest Bangalee of all time, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman--the architect of the independent Bangladesh.
She also paid her deep respect to three million martyrs and all the freedom fighters for their collective sacrifices which have built today’s Bangladesh. She said that the philosophy and legacy of Bangabandhu are still relevant in today’s world as it strives to establish the rights of the oppressed and try to build a peaceful, just, and prosperous world.
She acknowledged with deep gratitude the assistance of all the respective persons and authorities in bringing out this Korean version of The Unfinished Memoirs. She also anticipated that the Korean readers would be able to relate themselves with this publication because like the Bengalis, they also fought a similar battle for emancipation.
Later, she awarded a crest to Translator Lee Dong-heon acknowledging his contribution in translating the book, in presence of the publishers of this book. They all acknowledged the contributions of Ms. Sheuli Fateha, Lecturer, Korean Language Program, Institute of Modern Languages, University of Dhaka who validated the translation work. The dignitaries and guests were presented with a copy of the Korean translation of The Unfinished Memoirs.
Earlier, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Seoul published the Korean translation of Bangabandhu’s Historic 7th March speech and the book- ‘BANGABANDHU THE PEOPLE’S HERO’ for the Korean readers.
(For further details, contact Deputy Editor Sung Jung-wook of The Korea Post media at 010-5201 or write to edt@koreapost.com or pub@koreapost.com.)
