Nation to celebrate Bangabandhu’s 101st birth anniversary tomorrow

The nation celebrating to the 101st birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Children’s Day-2021  tomorrow.  On this day in 1920, Bangabandhu, the undisputed leader of the Bangali nation, the architect of independent Bangladesh, and the greatest Bangali of all times, was born at Tungipara village of the then Gopalganj sub-division, now district.

He was the third among six siblings  two sons and four daughters born to parents, Sheikh Lutfur Rahman, and Sheikh Sayera Khatun.    The nation is set to celebrate the day through extensive programs with fanfare and gaiety amid Covid-19 pandemic.    Bangladesh missions abroad have also chalked out elaborate programs to celebrate the day.

The theme of this year’s birthday of Bangabandhu and National Children’s Day is “Bangabandhur Janmadin, Shishur Ridoy Hok Rangin” (Let children’s lives become more colourful on Bangabandhu’s birthday).

In observance of the day, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will issue separate messages, to pay profound respects to the memory of Bangabandhu and greet the children.    Marking the day, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to virtually address a program marking the occasion of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu, and the National Children’s Day-2021, on the premises of the mausoleum of Bangabandhu at Tungipara in Gopalganj at 10:30 am on Wednesday.

The day is a public holiday.    Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and other private TV channels and radio stations are likely to air special programs highlighting the significance of the day.      Maldives’ President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on March 17 – as the first of the world leaders – to join Bangladesh’s Independence golden jubilee and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s birth centenary celebrations.    He would then pay homage to Bangabandhu by placing a wreath at his portrait on the premises of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on March 17.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on March 19 on a two-day tour.    Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari is likely to reach Dhaka on a two-day tour on March 22, and Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering on March 24.  Besides, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive on March 26 and depart on March 27.

A 10-day special program is ready to kick off at the National Parade Ground from March 17, marking the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and Golden Jubilee of the Independence of the country.    Chief Coordinator of Sheikh Mujib’s Birth Centenary Celebration National Implementation Committee Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury announced the programs at a press conference on March 12.    Naser informed that the events would be held between March 17 and 26 following the health guidelines as guests from both home and abroad are supposed to join the programs.

The theme of the 10-day event is “Mujib Chirantan,” but separate themes for each day have been set in place.      “Bengechho Duar Eshechho Jyotirmoy” is the theme of March 17, while “Mohakaaler Torjoni” for March 18 event, “Jotokal Robe Padma Jamuna” for March 19, “Tarunner Alokshikha” for March 20, “Dhongsostupe Jiboner Gaan” for March 21 events, “Banglar Mati, Amar Mati” for March 22, “Nari Mukti, Shammo o Shadhinota” for March 23, “Shanti, Mukti O Manobotar Ogrodoot” for March 24 events, “Gonohottar Kalratri O Aloker Obhijatra” for March 25 and “Shadhinatar Ponchash Bochhor O Ogrogotir Shubornorekha” for March 26.

Around 500 guests from both home and abroad are supposed to attend the events at the National Parade Ground on March 17, 19, 22, 24, and 26.    All the programs – including on March 18, 20, 21, 23, and 25 – would be aired on television channels, online, and social media.    Naser said President Abdul Hamid would be present at the events on March 17, 22, and 26, while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on March 17, 19, 22, 24, and 26.    He said the heads of the state and heads of the government of different countries would be present at the events as guests of honour.

World leaders visiting:  On March 17, Naser said Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is supposed to attend the inauguration session of the 10-day event on March 17 as a guest of honour, while Chinese President Xi Jinping and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are scheduled to deliver the welcome speeches virtually.

On March 19, he said, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is set to attend the event as a guest of honour, while Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari would be present on March 22.    He informed that Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering is supposed to be present at the National Parade Ground on March 24, while Pope Francis is scheduled to deliver the welcome address virtually.

And, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the closing day of the 10-day event on March 26, and deliver his speech.    He informed that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is supposed to deliver the welcome speech on March 18, while OIC Secretary General Dr Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen would deliver speech on March 20, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on March 22, and South Korean Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, and Friend of Bangladesh, Takasi Hawarkawar’s, son Osamu Hawakawa, on March 25.    Chowdhury said the events would be held from 4:30pm to 8pm on March 17, 19, 22, 24, and 26 and the programs of other days are scheduled to be held from 5:16pm to 8pm.