Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of truth and non-violence remain as relevant as ever at a time of political polarisation, armed conflict and eroding public trust, Barrister Hamidul Mishbah said at a commemorative event at the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka’s Agargaon on Sunday.
The event was organised by Gandhi Ashram Trust, Bangladesh, marking the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and International Day of Non-Violence, said a press release.
Speaking on Satyagraha, Mishbah said true leadership draws its strength from moral authority, transparency and service to the people. Ahimsa, or non-violence, he said, is a courageous and practical way to confront injustice and build lasting peace. He pointed to Gandhi’s influence on Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela.
Mishbah delivered a speech titled “The Audacity of Truth: Mahatma Gandhi’s Idealism in the Age of Expediency.” He said Gandhi’s example teaches that those in power should resolve conflicts through dialogue rather than force.
Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee attended the programme as chief guest. Indian High Commission in Dhaka Deputy High Commissioner Pawankumar Badhe and Noakhali-1 MP A M Mahbub Uddin Khokon attended as special guests. Trust Chairman retired major general Jiban Kanai Das presided over the programme.
Mishbah began his Gandhi studies in 1995 at Aligarh Muslim University in India. He is the founder of Bangladesh Intellectual Property Forum and has over 20 years of legal practice, including representation of Fortune 100, 300 and 500 companies in Bangladesh.
He received Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Bangladesh Award 2015 from Junior Chamber International, the press release added.
