Monday, April 29, 2024
Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa celebrated the 104th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children's Day 2024 with due solemnity and enthusiasm on Sunday.
On the first part of the program, in the morning, His Excellency the High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Canada Dr Khalilur Rahman hoisted the national flag while playing the national anthem at Bangladesh House, read a press release.
All the officers and officials of the High Commission were present during this flag hoisting ceremony. Following this, a special prayer was offered for the souls of the Father of the Nation and all other martyrs of his family as well as 3 million martyrs of the liberation war.
The second part of the program commenced at 3pm at the premises of the Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa with the laying of a floral wreath on the portrait of the Father of the Nation by His Excellency the High Commissioner.
Subsequently, messages from the president, prime minister, and foreign minister were read out by the officers of the High Commission. A documentary film sent from Dhaka was then screened in commemoration of the day.
The main discussion session, chaired by HE the High Commissioner commenced with speeches by 03 children from Bangladeshi Community.
They expressed their aspirations to emulate Bangabandhu's love for all people and pledged to engage in community service inspired by his ideals.
Leaders of the Bangladeshi Canadian community participating in the discussion remarked, "Bangabandhu's life of struggle serves as an exemplary source of pride for every Bengali."
They highlighted Bangabandhu's profound love for children and stressed the importance of imparting the history of his struggle to future generations through the education system and national and social events.
In his address, High Commissioner Dr Khalilur Rahman paid homage to the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the martyrs of the liberation war.
He emphasised the significance of this day in Bangladesh's national life, stating that Bangladesh owes its existence to Bangabandhu.
He highlighted Bangabandhu's genuine love for children and noted that the initiative to celebrate National Children's Day on Bangabandhu's birthday underscores the nation's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for children.
The high commissioner urged all present to foster the non-communal spirit of our war of liberation in nation-building through education, cultural activities, and sports, nurturing a love for the country and its people among children.
He called for concerted efforts to create a sustainable and peaceful world for future generations and to treat children with compassion.
Meanwhile, Bangladeshi expatriate children living in different provinces of Canada participated in competitions in two categories to celebrate the occasion.
The art competition, themed 'Bangabandhu and Sonar Bangla,' was open to children aged 5-12 years, while the essay competition themed 'Smart Bangladesh,' was for children aged 10-16 years.
The High Commissioner announced the winners of both competitions. Special gifts were presented to all children present during the event. The ceremony concluded with the cutting of a cake by the high commissioner along with the children.
