The nation will observe the 96th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Children's Day today.
On this day in 1920, Bangabandhu was born in a respectable Muslim family at Tungipara village, which is now a upazila in Gopalganj district. He was the third child among four daughters and two sons of his parents - Sheikh Lutfur Rahman and Saira Khatun.
Different socio-political and cultural organisations, including the Awami League and its affiliate bodies, have chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day.
President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, House Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, opposition leader Rawshan Ershad and Awami League General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam issued separate messages on the eve of the day, paying rich tributes to Bangabandhu.
The day is a public holiday. National dailies will publish special supplements while Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other private TV channels and FM radio stations will air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.
Special prayers will be offered at mosques and places of worship across the country on this occasion. Bangladesh missions abroad have also chalked out programmes to observe the day.
The Awami League’s programmes for the day include hoisting the national flag and party flag at 6:30am, and placing wreaths at Bangabandhu’s portrait at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in the capital’s Dhanmondi at 7:30am.
Led by Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the party’s senior leaders will travel to Tungipara to lay wreaths at Bangabandhu’s grave.
The Awami League will organise a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka at 3pm tomorrow. The prime minister will address the discussion as the chief guest while the party’s top leaders will also deliver their speeches.
Besides, the National Children’s Day will be observed today even though it is observed on different days around the world to honour children.
Apart from national programmes marking the day, rallies and discussions will be organised in districts and upazilas. The Women and Children Affairs Ministry will arrange special meals for destitute children.