The 104th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Children’s Day were celebrated with due solemnity and fervour at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, India on Sunday.

Bangladeshi High Commissioner Md Mustafizur Rahman inaugurated the daylong programme by hoisting the Bangladeshi national flag at his New Delhi office and placing floral wreath at the portrait of the Father of the Nation.

In the morning, a discussion programme was organised at the Bangladesh High Commission as part of the celebrations. At the beginning of the programme, the messages issued by the president, prime minister and foreign minister were read out by the mission officials, read a press release of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.

In his speech, High Commissioner Rahman said, Bangabandhu and Bangladesh are synonymous. By breaking the shackles of exploitation, oppression, deprivation and subjugation of hundreds of years, Bangabandhu showed the path of liberation to the Bangalee nation. The high commissioner underscored the need for inculcating Bangabandhu’s humane qualities in children to help them become future leaders of the country.

The high commissioner also called upon everyone to continue with their efforts in building a “Smart Bangladesh” while following the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and holding Bangabandhu’s ideals in their hearts.

Among others, Brigadier General Md Hafizur Rahman, defense adviser at the High Commission, took part in the discussion and highlighted the significance and importance of the day.

In the evening, a cultural programme was organised at the Bangabandhu Hall of the High Commission amid the participation of children. The event began with the cutting of a special cake in the presence of children.

At the event, the Father of the Nation was remembered through his historic 7th March speech as well as poems, stories and songs written on Bangabandhu. A documentary on Bangabandhu’s life and work was screened for the children.

On the occasion, the High Commission also organised essay, poetry recitation, painting, quiz and sports competitions for the children. In the evening, the high commissioner distributed prizes among the winners of these competitions.

In the end, a special prayer was offered for the salvation of the souls of Father of the Nation, his family members and all the martyrs who played a role in the different stages of the movement for freedom and liberation of present-day Bangladesh. The participants also prayed for the peace, progress and prosperity of Bangladesh.