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A Reception party held At Mount Albert War Memorial Hall ( Rocket Park ), Auckland , New Zealand in the honour of London-based veteran Bangladeshi editor, journalist, renowned, prominent, courageous columnist, human rights activist and lyricist

Abdul Gaffar Choudhury and mammoth tribute was paid to him by Bangalees living in New Zealand.

Chief Guest: Abdul Gaffar Choudhury

Special Guest: Ms Parveen Sultana, Cultural Secretary, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Research Centre, London

Special Guest: Dr. Nurur Rahman Khokan, General Secretary, Bangabandhu Parishad, Australia

Presided over by: Engr. Shafiqur Rahman Anu, President, Bangabandhu Parishad, New Zealand

Conducted by Dr. Engr. Nazrul Islam, General Secretary, Bangabandhu Parishad, New Zealand

Abdul Gaffar Choudhury said in his speech that he is not a historian but a journalist. He is the witness of lots of incidents related to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the members of his cabinet and his political party. He said Bangabandhu belongs to history and history would judge him in due course of time. No degree of antics or propagandist overtures of political parties can change that. Similarly, there cannot be any controversy over the fact that we are what we are today, i.e. proud citizens of an independent state, largely because of him. Historian and researchers should analyse his life and works, and present them in totality to the generations to come. Finally he thanked Bangalees of New Zealand for giving him such tribute and respect and he assured that he will visit this nice country, New Zealand again.

Ms Parveen Sultana narrated, in brief, the background of the formation and production of "docu drama" "Palashi Theke Dhanmondi". She also thanked Abdul Gaffar Choudhury for producing such a demanding drama and she also expressed her gratitude to the all artist, contributors and who are directly and indirectly involved with this drama.

Dr. Nurur Rahman Khokan, explained the importance of the organization of the follower of Bangabandhu and he assured that every assistance will be provided to Bangalees of New Zealand from their end.

Engr. Shafiqur Rahman Anu thanked Abdul Gaffar Choudhury for visiting New Zealand in spite of his busy schedule and his physical constrain. He expressed that it is our good luck to have such living companion of Bangabandhu among us. He requested him to complete and to publish the auto-biography of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which was recorded by him. He specially thanked Dr Qaiyum Parvez, President, Bangabandhu Parishad, Australia, for arranging this visit of Abdul Gaffar Choudhury and other distinguished guests. He praised the spectators, especially who came from outside of Auckland and who helped in many ways to make this reception a successful one.

Dr. Engr. Nazrul Islam also thanked Abdul Gaffar Choudhury and other special guests. He expressed forgiveness for their limitations and shortcoming of this function. He said that Abdul Gaffar Choudhury should carry on his script on the facts and documents of rare achievements of Bangabandhu and his government, which are not known to a lot of Bangalees.

After the discussion recently produced famous play on the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, "Palashi Theke Dhanmondi" written, directed by Abdul Gaffar Choudhury was exhibited.

Shafiqur Rahman Bhuiyan (ANU)

144 Unit-C, Canal Road,
Avondale
Auckland - 1007
NEW ZEALAND.