<div><b><span style="font-size: 1rem;">The 104th birth anniversary of the greatest Bangalee of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and National Children’s Day-2024 were celebrated at theBangladesh Embassy in Washington DC on Sunday with due respect and festivity.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>To celebrate the day, the Embassy organised elaborate programs which included hoisting of the National Flag, placing a floral wreath at the bust of Bangabandhu, discussion meeting, essay and painting competitions for children and screening of documentaries on Bangabandhu.</div><div><br></div><div>The day’s programs at the Embassy began in the morning with the ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag in front of the Chancery Building by Ambassador Muhammad Imran.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Officials and employees of the Mission were present at that time.</div><div><br></div><div>Later, the Ambassador placed a floral wreath at the bust of the Father of the Nation at Bangabandhu Corner in the presence of the officials and employees of the Mission.</div><div><br></div><div>Messages issued on the occasion by the President, Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister were read out by Minister (Consular) Md Habibur Rahman, Minister (Commerce) Md Salim Reza and Minister (Economic) Dr. Md Fazle Rabbi.</div><div><br></div><div>Taking part in the discussion, Ambassador Imran paid glowing tributes to the Father of the Nation and recalled his long struggle from the great Language Movement to the War of Liberation to achieve the much-anticipated independence of the nation.</div><div><br></div><div>Describing Bangabandhu as an uncompromising and fearless leader, he said the life of the great leader and the history of Bangladesh are tied to the same stint.</div><div><br></div><div>While talking about the National Children’s Day, the Ambassador said the government led by Bangabandhu’s able daughter and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken various programs to make the country a safe abode for the future generations.</div><div><br></div><div>He hoped that the new generation would be the main driving force to lead the nation and put it in a more dignified position in the world in future. Ambassador Imran requested the guardians to let the children know about Bangabandhu’s great sacrifice for independence and rebuilding the war-ravaged nation alongside Bangladesh’s rich history, culture and heritage.</div><div><br></div><div>He also called upon all to work unitedly under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to build a happy and prosperous Bangladesh free from hunger and poverty by embracing the spirit of the Liberation War and the ideology of the Father of the Nation.</div><div><br></div><div>Minister (Press) AZM Sajjad Hossain also took part in the discussion highlighting Bangabandhu’s long struggle for independence and huge contribution to rebuilding the war-ravaged nation.</div><div><br></div><div>The morning part of the program ended with offering a special prayer seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of Bangabandhu and other martyrs of the August 15 carnage as well as continued peace, progress and prosperity of the nation.</div><div><br></div><div>Later in the evening, the Ambassador cut a cake with the participation of the children and distributed prizes among the winners of the essay and painting competitions. First Secretary (Passport &amp; Visa Wing) Muhammad Abdul Hye Milton ‍and First Secretary Ataur Rahman conducted the programs. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>