The 97th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is being observed today.
The day is celebrated as the National Children’s Day. It is also a public holiday.
On this day in 1920, the architect of the nation was born in Tungipara of Gopalganj.
Through his dynamic leadership, Bangabandhu had organised the Bangalee nation to fight against exploitation and repression by the Pakistani rulers. The movement culminated in independent Bangladesh through the nine-month Liberation War in 1971.
On August 15, 1975, the great leader along with most of his family members was assassinated by a group of army men.
Different socio-political organisations, including Awami League and its associate bodies, have drawn up various programmes to observe the day.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bangabandhu Bhaban in the city’s Dhanmondi at 7:00am.
President Abdul Hamid and the PM will pay homage to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his grave in Tungipara at 10:00am.
Hasina will also join a cultural programme, a children’s gathering and a discussion in Tungipara.
The AL will organise a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at 3:00pm. The PM is expected to chair the programme.
Besides, a 3D video, “Pita”, on Bangabandhu will be screened at Star Cineplex of Bashundhara City from 10:00am-1:00pm.
A Qurankhani and a milad mahfil will be held at the national mosque, Baitul Mukarram.
Meanwhile, the president and the PM yesterday issued separate messages on the occasion.
In his message, the president said, “We’ll have to build our young generation with the spirit of noble qualities so that they can materialise Bangabandhu’s dream of transforming the country into Sonar Bangla [Golden Bengal]. We have to put in our sincere efforts to flourish the intrinsic values of our children from their very childhood.”
He urged all to make united efforts for building a happy and prosperous Bangladesh and ensuring a bright future for children.
Hasina in her statement said, “The charismatic leadership and personality of Bangabandhu had brought the whole nation under one umbrella. As a result, we got the independence and sovereign Bangladesh and the Bangalee nationalism flourished.”
Report: The Daily Star
