Dhaka – The 97th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will be observed on Friday with due respect.The day is celebrated as the National Children’s Day. The day is also a public holiday.On this day in 1920, the architect of the nation was born at Tungipara of Gopalganj.UNB agencyThrough his dynamic leadership, Bangabandhu had organised the Bangali 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 cabal of army men.Different socio-political organisations, including Awami League and its associate bodies, have chalked out various programmes on the occasion.Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bangabandhu Bhaban at the city’s Dhanmondi at 7am.President Abdul Hamid and the Prime Minister will pay homage to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his grave at Tungipara at 10am.Hasina will also join a cultural programme, a children’s gathering and discussion at Tungipara. She will also inaugurate a book fair, visit a photography titled ‘Khoka Theke Bangabandhu’ and distribute sewing machines there.The programmes of the ruling party include hoisting of the national and party flags atop Bangabandhu Bhaban and AL offices across the country at 6:30am and placing of wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bangabandhu Bhaban at 7am.The ruling party will organise a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at 3pm tomorrow. The PM will preside over the programme.Besides, a 3D video show, ‘Pita’, on Bangabandhu will be displayed from 10am-1pm at Star Cineplex of Bashundhara City on the occasion.A Qurankhani and a milad mahfil will be held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have 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 endeavour 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.The Prime Minister in her statement said, “The charismatic leadership and personality of Bangabandhu had brought the whole nation under one umbrella. As a result of which we got the independence and sovereign Bangladesh, and the Bangali nationalism flourished.”
