Vatican City, Mar 24, 2021 / 06:00 am (CNA).- Pope Francis sent a video message to the people of Bangladesh on Wednesday as they mark the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence and the centenary of the birth of the “Father of the Nation,” Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the first president of Bangladesh when it declared its independence from Pakistan on March 26, 1971. He is called the “Father of the Nation” for having played a leading role in securing independence.