In the pages of world history, when the names of the greatest heroes of freedom are mentioned, one name that always stands out with reverence is that of Yasser Arafat, the national leader of Palestine. He was not only a leader of the Palestinian people but also a global symbol of freedom for the oppressed and deprived peoples around the world.
Born on August 24, 1929, Yasser Arafat passed away on November 11, 2004. Although nineteen years have elapsed since his death, his image continues to shine brightly in the hearts of every Palestinian as an immortal figure of courage and resistance.
The friendship between Bangladesh and Palestine began almost at the dawn of Bangladesh’s independence. The people of Bangladesh have consistently regarded Yasser Arafat as a true and honourable friend. Since its independence, Bangladesh has stood in full solidarity with other Muslim nations in supporting the cause of an independent State of Palestine.
Every government of Bangladesh—from the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Hussain Muhammad Ershad, Begum Khaleda Zia, and Sheikh Hasina—has taken a firm stance in favour of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and expressed unwavering support for Yasser Arafat’s leadership in their struggle for independence. Bangladesh is proudly one of the 134 countries that recognised the State of Palestine.
Yasser Arafat visited Bangladesh several times on official trips and made numerous stopovers at Dhaka International Airport. Notably, in 1997, at the special invitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he attended the celebration of Bangladesh’s 25th anniversary of independence. Anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela and Turkish President Süleyman Demirel also attended the historic event.
This undisputed leader of Palestine devoted his entire life to a nation that dreamed of freedom. Today, as unarmed civilians in Gaza and the West Bank endure relentless persecution, the absence of a resolute and visionary leader like Yasser Arafat is felt more deeply than ever.
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TSN