Themes for 10-day festivity selected

The government is progressing with preparations for the 10-day programme, to be hosted at the capital's National Parade Square, to mark the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of the country's independence.

The programme will be attended by heads of state and governments of different countries.

The government has already selected  themes for each day of the programme, said Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, chief coordinator of the Birth Centenary Celebration National Implementation Committee.

The gala celebrations will begin on March 17 and end on March 26.

The themes are "Bhengeche Duwar Eshecho Jatirmoy" (March 17), "Mohakaler Tarjoni" (March 18), "Jatokal Robe Padma Jamuna" (March 19), Tarunner Alokshikha (March 20), Dhanshastupe Jiboner Gaan (March 21), Banglar Mati Amar Mati (March 22), Narimukti, Samya o Swadhinata (March 23),  Shanti-Mukti o Manabatar Agradut (March 24), Ganahatyar Kaloratri o Aloker Abhijatra (March 25) and Swadhinatar Panchash Bochhor o Agragatir Subarnarekha (March 26).

He said this at a press briefing at International Mother Language Institute yesterday.

The events will be attended by Indian PM Narendra Modi, Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepali President Bidya Devi Bhandari and PM of Bhutan Lotay Tshering, said Dr Naser.