The 99th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Children’s Day was celebrated at Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C. Sunday amid merrymaking and festivity.
On this day in 1920, Bangabandhu, the architect of independent Bangladesh and the greatest Bangalee of all times, was born in a greatly respected Muslim family in Tungipara village of Gopalganj district.
In celebration of the day, the embassy organized competition on essay writing, art and ‘dress as you like’ for children living in greater Washington, D.C. area.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Mohammad Ziauddin accompanied by tiny tots placed wreaths at the bust of the Father of the Nation installed on the chancery premises.
Small children staged various performances demonstrating Bengali rich culture and heritage.
Ambassador Ziauddin in his statement said Bangabandhu’s birthday is one of the most important days for the Bengali nation as he inspired and led the nation to achieve the nation’s independence through his courageous and charismatic leadership.
On the National Children’s Day, the Ambassador said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government announced the National Children Policy in 2011 for the welfare and protection of the children in our society. He urged all to stand unitedly beside the deprived children of Bangladesh.
Messages from the Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Foreign Minister and Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out. Minister (Press) Shamim Ahmad, Minister (Consular) ShamsulAlam Chowdhury, Defence Attaché Brig Gen Moinul Hasan and Counsellor (Commerce) SkAktar Hossain read out the messages marking the occasion.
A documentary on life and work of Bangabandhu titled “Bangabandhu: In Our Hearts” was screened while a cake was cut celebrating the birthday of the great leader.
A cultural program was also organized on the occasion. A special prayer was offered seeking divine blessings for the departed soul of Bangabandhu and members of his family killed on August 15, 1975.
Ambassador Mohammad Ziauddin’s wife Mrs. YesmeenZiauddin distributed prizes among the children who took part in the competitions.