Father of the Nation's 95th birthday today

The nation observes the 95th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Children's Day today.

The government, Awami League, various socio-cultural and political platforms have organised elaborate programmes to mark the day, which a public holiday.  

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the occasion, recalling Bangabandhu's contribution to the nation and paying glowing tribute to him.

Hasina, also the president of AL, will fly to Tungipara in Gopalganj around 10:00am after placing wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the capital.

She will place wreaths at the grave of her father Bangabandhu, who is the architect of the nation, and offer special prayers there.

Later, the prime minister will address a children's rally and inaugurate a book fair on the premises of the grave. She is also expected to attend a cultural function to be organised by the women and children affairs ministry.

The ruling AL will hoist the national and party flags at Bangabandhu Bhaban in the capital and party offices across the country. It will also place wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Bhaban.

Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private TV and radio stations will air special programmes, while the national dailies will publish special supplements highlighting the significance of the day.

Bangabandhu, who led the country's all the important movements including the independence war, was born at Tungipara on this day in 1920.

He delivered the historic speech on March 7, 1971, which united and prepared the entire nation for the Liberation War.

On March 25 the same year, Pakistani army pounced on the unarmed Bengali people killing hundreds and later arrested Bangabandhu from his Dhanmondi residence.

The entire nation, except for few Pakistani collaborators, fought against the heavily-equipped Pakistani armed forces, and after nine months of bloodshed, the country was finally liberated.

Throughout his life, Bangabandhu struggled to ensure Bangladeshis' rights and freedom.

On August 15, 1975, the great leader was assassinated, along with most of his family members, by some disgruntled army personnel in the capital.