Today is the birthday of the father of the nation

Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Photo: Collected)

Today, March 17, is the 103rd birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the architect of great independence. He was born in Tungipara village of Gopalganj subdivision of Faridpur district on this day in 1920 at 8 pm. This 'Khoka' of Sheikh clan's love gradually became Bengali's 'Mujib Bhai', 'Bangabandhu' and father of the nation.

In continuation of the previous years, the birthday of the Father of the Nation is being celebrated as 'National Children's Day' with national status. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave messages on the day. Apart from this, the national flag will be hoisted in all government, semi-government, autonomous and private institutions and educational institutions and Bangladesh missions abroad as per the notification of the cabinet.

Various programs will be celebrated in the state. A public holiday has been declared on the day. The day will also be celebrated with due dignity in Bangladesh embassies in other countries of the world.

On the occasion of the Father of the Nation's birthday and the National Children's Day, the President will pay tribute by placing wreaths at Bangabandhu's tomb in Tungipara. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On this occasion, a national children's rally and a three-day long book fair have also been organized. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will attend the National Children's Rally organized by the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs.

Also, various social and political organizations have taken elaborate programs on the occasion of the day. Government and private television and radio will broadcast special programs on this occasion. Awami League's program includes hoisting national and party flags at Bangabandhu Bhavan, Awami League's central office and all offices of the organization across the country at 6:30 am on Friday.

Awami League will pay homage to the portrait of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at 32 Dhanmondi No. 32 in the morning. Meanwhile, national leaders led by Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will pay their respects at the tomb of the Father of the Nation at 10 am on March 17. At the same time they will participate in milad and doa mahfil and children gathering.

A discussion meeting has been organized at Bangabandhu International Conference Center in the capital next Sunday (March 19) at 4 pm. Party President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will preside over it. On the occasion of Bangabandhu's birth anniversary and National Children's Day, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has undertaken various programs throughout the day.

Art programs include, 8 am tribute to the portrait of the Father of the Nation at 32 Dhanmondi, 10 am children's 'Child Painting Competition' at the Academy's National Gallery, 3 pm painting exhibition at National Gallery No. 2 and 3, 4 pm 'Dream of Smart Bangladesh' in the National Theater Seminar Hall. Bangabandhu's birthday seminar entitled 'Children's eyes colored with dreams of prosperity', 5.30 pm children's participation in joyous procession, 6 pm discussion and cultural program at National Theater auditorium.

On the occasion of the birth centenary of the father of the nation, the government declared one year from March 17, 2020 as Mujib year. However, due to the corona virus in the country, Mujib year was first extended to 16 December 2021 and then extended to 31 March 2022.

Independence of Bangladesh came in 1971 at the end of 9 months long bloody liberation war at the hands of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the undisputed leader of the Bengali nation. This man who gave birth to a country on the world map was killed by some misguided army officers with his family at the age of 55. However, his two daughters Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana survived due to staying abroad.

'Khoka', the third child of Sheikh Lutfar Rahman and Saira Khatun, later became the emancipator of the oppressed Bengali nation. Bangabandhu became due to deep political wisdom, self-sacrifice and extraordinary compassion for the people.

Bangabandhu was politically aware from his youth. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was imprisoned for the first time for joining the then anti-British movement while studying in eighth grade at the mission school of Gopalganj. After matriculation, while studying at Calcutta Islamia College, Hussain came close to political leaders like Shaheed Suhrawardy and Abul Hashim. In the company of these leaders, he established himself in the arena of politics as a student and youth.

His political career began in 1940 by joining the All India Muslim Students Federation. In 1946, he was elected as the General Secretary of Calcutta Islamia College (now Maulana Azad College) Students' Union.

Bangabandhu returned to Dhaka immediately after gaining independence from the British rule in 1947 and advanced with new political ideas. Formed the Chhatra League in 1948 with colleagues. When the Awami League was formed on June 23, 1949, Bangabandhu got the post of joint secretary.

Bangabandhu has moved the Bengali nation forward step by step towards the goal of freedom and armed liberation war by energizing the Bengali nation with the great mantra of liberation. This undisputed leader, who has been vocal throughout his life for the right of the Bengali nation, had to be imprisoned many times in his political life for taking a stand on the side of justice.

He led every democratic and independence movement, including the language movement of 1952, the United Front elections of 1954, the anti-military movement of 1958, the 6-point movement of 1966 and later the 11-point movement and the popular uprising of 1969, and earned the title of Bangabandhu.

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