<div style="text-align: justify; "><b style="font-size: 1rem;">The nation is celebrating the 103rd birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Children's Day-2023 in a befitting manner.</b><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;On this day in 1920, Bangabandhu, the vivacious leader of the Bangalee nation, the architect of independent Bangladesh and the greatest Bangalee of all times, was born in a respected Muslim family at Tungipara village of Gopalganj sub-division, now district.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He was the third among four daughters and two sons of his parents - Sheikh Lutfur Rahman and Saira Khatun.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The nation is celebrating the day through extensive programmes with fanfare and gaiety.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;Bangladesh missions abroad have also chalked out elaborate programmes to celebrate the day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;In observance of the day, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on Thursday afternoon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The day is a public holiday.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Marking the birth anniversary and the National Children's Day, the national flag is hoisted atop all buildings of government, semi government, autonomous and private organizations as well educational institutions and Bangladesh missions abroad.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will pay tributes to Father of the Nation by placing wreaths at Bangabandhu's mausoleum at Tungipara in Gopalganj.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To mark the day, a national children's rally and a three-day book fair will be organized. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to join the children's rally to be organized by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs as the chief guest.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Different political, social and cultural organizations have also drawn elaborate programmes marking the birth anniversary.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and other private TV channels and radio stations are airing special programmes highlighting the significance of the day in the life of Bangalees. BSS</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/kh</div>