THE High Commission of Bangladesh organised an art competition yesterday in celebration of the 90th birthday of Bangladesh’s Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and its National Children’s Day.
A total of 28 children from the Bangladeshi community in Brunei took part in the activity, held at the Bangladesh Chancery in Sungai Akar, which was aimed at instilling a spirit of patriotism and knowledge of their country among the children.
Sheikh Mujibur was born on March 17, 1920, and was the founding leader of Bangladesh. His honourary title “Bangabandhu” means “Friend of Bengal”.
The Bangabandhu was head of the Awami League and served as the first President of Bangladesh and later became the Prime Minister after leading Bangladesh to independence from Pakistan. Bangladesh was formerly known as East Pakistan.
After only seven months in office, Sheikh Mujibur was assassinated on August 15, 1970, along with most of his family by a group of army officers.
Only two of his daughters survived as they were not in Bangladesh at the time, one of whom is Sheikh Hasina Wajed, the present leader of the Awami League and current Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
The government of Bangladesh also observes its National Children’s Day on the birthday of Sheikh Mujibur.
Yesterday, children aged four to 15 were given one hour to complete their drawings for the art competition. They were divided into three groups: Group A for those aged 11 to 15, Group B for seven to 11 year olds and Group C for those aged four to seven.
Group C were allowed to draw pictures of their choice whilst Group A and B were given the subject “My Village” to draw, based on subjects reminiscent of Bangladesh.
Winners will be announced on Wednesday during the High Commission’s Discussion Meeting and Cultural Show, which is part of the celebrations, to be held at the chancery premises.
Head of Chancery Yeakub Ali said that the prizes will consist of books and painting materials. The Brunei Times
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