Note on Senator Edward Kennedy For Memorial Meeting at the Liberation War Museum
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Senator Kennedy's passing on August 25. Senator Kennedy was an unparalleled champion for justice who had a deep impact not only in the United States, but also in the rest of the world.I was privileged to meet him twice in 1971 during the struggle for liberation for Bangladesh a cause which he supported wholeheartedly. He was one of a few persons who helped to change world public opinion about what was happening in Bangladesh. While the US Government was providing political and military support to the Yahiya government, Senator Kennedy took a completely different stand on the Bangladesh cause. He supported the important bills that we were trying to get through the US Congress to stop military aid to Pakistan and to stop the use of US military arms and ammunitions in the killings of civilians in Bangladesh. He was a true supporter and friend to Bangladesh.
I was very happy to see his name on the list of the recipients of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom. I was hoping that this would me give an opportunity to meet him again and thank him on behalf of the people of
Bangladesh. Unfortunately, he was too sick to attend the ceremony. Instead his daughter Kara came to represent him. I requested Kara to convey to him the gratitude and the great admiration of the people of Bangladesh, and that we are all praying for his speedy recovery.
Bangladesh as a nation mourns the death of a great friend. Senator Kennedy's passion and championing of the rights of the dispossessed never ceased. Senator Kennedy was a fighter till the end and will be deeply missed by all Bangladeshis. Let his soul enjoy eternal peace.
-Muhammad Yunus
