Rajshahi Correspondent

Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir said, the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman loved his youngest son Sheikh Russell, just like he loved other children. In honor of Bangabandhu's love for children and his child-like nature, his birthday is celebrated as National Children's Day.

He said, these things during as chief guest's speech at the discussion meeting, award distribution and cultural program held on the occasion of 104th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children's Day at District Shilpakala Academy auditorium on Sunday morning.

Highlighting the various incidents of Bangabandhu's life, Divisional Commissioner said, "If he had not been born in Ajpara village of Tungipara, then we would not have known what freedom is." Almost 13 years of his only 55 years of life were spent in prison. How much he has sacrificed for Bengali. He had only one goal, so that the Bengali nation could stand tall. He said that Bangabandhu's 52nd birthday was a week before the declaration of independence in 1971. Many foreign nationals were present with him on this day. The political situation was very complicated at that time. At this time, a foreign journalist asked him what is your feeling on his birthday? Bangabandhu replied 'This misery in Bengal, whether it's my birthday or death day, it takes our lives whenever someone wants.'

Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir said, Bangabandhu made this subjugated state an independent sovereign state. At present, his privileged daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is giving the nation a role model for development in this country. Bangabandhu used to say that if children are deprived of proper education, their hard-earned freedom will become meaningless. That is why he focused on the full development of children.

He wanted the children to develop well in art, literature and culture. Bangabandhu introduced compulsory primary education, free books, clothes, free education. He loved children so much that he celebrated his last birthday with them. At this time, he urged us to build our future generation by imitating and following the ideals of Bangabandhu.

General Secretary of Rajshahi Association Dr. Tasikul Islam Raja spoke as the speaker. Rajshahi Range DIG Md Anisur Rahman, RMP Commissioner Biplab Bijay Talukder, Police Super Md Saifur Rahman spoke in the meeting under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ahmed. The meeting was attended by brave freedom fighters, officials and employees of government and private departments, teachers and students and journalists of print and electronic media.

After the discussion meeting, prizes were distributed among the winners of various competitions and music and cultural performances were held with 104 children on the occasion of Bangabandhu's 104th birthday.

Earlier in the morning, tributes were paid by placing wreaths at the mural of Father of the Nation at Bangabandhu Square in the city.