Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee urged on Monday all to ensure peace and protect the future generations from the poison of terrorism, report
agencies.
"Innocent people are being killed. People are becoming living human bombs," he said pointing finger at the loss of innocent lives in worldwide terrorism.
He made the urge while addressing the closing session of the 'International Bengali Literature Conference' at Bangla Academy in the city.
Pranab, the great friend of Bangladesh, said it is not clear what the terrorists want but they become living human bombs.
"Not only environment pollution, the biggest pollution is in people's thoughts, languages and minds," he said adding only the writers, artists, poets, novelists and cultural activists can take the responsibility to protect people from such pollution not the international institutions of the United Nations.
The former Indian President and a family friend of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman said the terrorists even had attacked Pentagon challenging the USA.
"We're determined to saving the new generations from the poisonous world and poison of terrorism," he said urging creative people, writers and artists to work to that end.
Recalling the contributions of great souls who fought for Bangla and those played role in making Bangla an international language, Pranab said they all should stay grateful to them each and every moment.
"Where will you find more suitable place than Dhaka to arrange such conference?" he said appreciating the efforts made by the organisers in successfully completing the conference.
"I feel honoured to be here," Pranab said mentioning that the Dhaka Declaration has correctly evaluated the present situation of the world.
"This world needs to be changed," he said expressing displeasure over the happenings in the last one decade, especially the loss of innocent lives.
Wishing all a good future, Pranab hoped that the coming Bangla New Year will also bring more happiness for all.
Convener of the conference Prof Anisuzzaman, Finance Minister AMA Muhith, Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, key coordinator of the conference Nasiruddin Yousuf and Bangla Academy Director General (DG) Shamshuzzaman Khan were present.
Finance Minister Muhith the conference was a big event and such an event took place back in 1974 initiated by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Prof Anisuzzaman said the conference brought a chance to know and learn from each other and hoped that more similar conferences will be held in Bangladesh in the coming days.
Cultural Affairs Minister Noor urged all to fight against evil forces and continue upholding Bangla through such events.
Shahriar Alam said the relations between Bangladesh and India reached new heights and laid emphasis on holding such events.
Speaking on the occasion, the Bangla Academy DG said the conference will be a historic one with the presence of Pranab Mukherjee.
He called upon the friends from India to learn more about Bangladesh and sought initiatives to allow Bangladesh TV channels in India.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the three-day literature conference on Saturday at Bangla Academy.
Meanwhile, Pranab, who arrived here on Sunday, met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganobhaban on Monday.
On Tuesday morning, Pranab will go to Chittagong and visit Chittagong Armoury Raid site, the European Club site and Chittagong University.
Pranab, according to his programme schedule, will visit ancestral home of Masterda Surya Sen, an influential leader of Indian independence movement against British rule, at village Noapara under Raozan upazila in Chittagong to pay homage to Surya Sen.
Meanwhle former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday visited Bangabandhu Museum and paid tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
He signed visitors' book there after visiting the Museum.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, among others, was present.
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