Build nation with spirit of liberation war

Minister tells children

2 May 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

Industries Minister Dilip Barua gives away 'Journalist Bazlur Rahman Memorial Medal' to artist Qayyum Chowdhury, fourth from left, at a function at the Central Public Library auditorium in the city yesteday. Photo: STAR

Industries Minister Dilip Barua yesterday called on the young generation to know the rich cultural tradition of the country and work to build the nation with the spirit of the liberation war. The youngsters should be inculcated with patriotism and love for mother language, he said at a gala ceremony celebrating the 58th founding anniversary of Kendriyo Khelaghar Asar, a juvenile organisation, at the Central Public Library auditorium in the city. At the programme, three noted citizens -- journalist Chittaranjan Shil, artist Qayyum Chowdhury and Liberation War Museum trustee Dr Sarwar Ali -- were awarded 'Journalist Bazlur Rahman Memorial Medal' in recognition of their outstanding contribution to society. In their instant reactions, the awardees said the spirit of the liberation war would never fade away and the children should be brought up with the secular spirit. Eminent educationist Prof Anisuzzaman formally inaugurated the ceremony, with Khelaghar Asar Chairman Prof Panna Kaiser in the chair. Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury was also present. Children of the organisation performed at a cultural session at the function. Earlier, members of the organisation placed wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in the morning, a press release said. Later in the day, a human chain was formed in front of the National Press Club condemning child abuse and killing of young girls in different parts of the country. Kendriyo Khelaghar Asar General Secretary Dr Lelin Chowdhury, presidium member Prof Abu Sayeed and central committee member Nasreen Mozammel joined the human chain.