The US capital has declared the year beginning Mar 17, 2020 to March 17, 2021 as Mujib Year to mark the centennial birth anniversary celebrations of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Recognising Bangladesh embassy’s contribution to the growth and cultural diversity of Washington DC, city’s Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a proclamation on Monday that goes into immediate effect.

"I, the Mayor of Washington DC, congratulate all the people of Bangladesh on this special occasion, and hereby declare Mar 17, 2020-Mar 17, 2021, as "MUJIB YEAR"," says the proclamation.

The Bangladesh embassy in Washington welcomed the announcement from the Mayor’s office.

“This is very significant. It’s not just one day, the US capital has dedicated the whole year to honour the Father of the Nation,” embassy spokesperson Shamim Ahmad told Bangla Tribune.

The Mayor’s proclamation says the United States Department of State cites “Bangladesh as a global example of a democratic, tolerant, pluralistic, and moderate nation” whose friendship is important to the United States.

It further adds: “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Bangladesh is transforming and thriving into a “Golden Bangla” as dreamt by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.”

The embassy is organising several events on Mar 17 to mark the occasion and a few senior officials from the US State Department are also expected to attend, according to the spokesperson.

Through the year, other consulates and the Bangladesh Permanent Mission at the United Nations will also hold seminars and other events to generate awareness about the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“We will also highlight the progress made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in achieving Bangabandhu’s dream of a poverty-free and self-reliant Bangladesh,” said Mr Ahmad.