Online Desk: The 104th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Children’s Day was celebrated here today with due respect, fanfare and festivity.

On this day in 1920, Bangabandhu, the architect of independent Bangladesh and the greatest Bangalee of all time was born in a Muslim family at Tungipara village of the then Gopalganj sub-division, now district.

The day’s programme was begun with the hoisting of national flags atop all public, private, autonomous bodies and educational institutions.

Different socio-cultural and political organizations, including government departments, paid tributes to the mural of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Khulna Deputy Commissioner’s Office premises.

Marking the day, Khulna District Administration organised a discussion, cultural programme and prize-distribution ceremony among the winners of different events at Shilpakala Academy.

Mayor of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Talukder Abdul Khaleque addressed the meeting as the chief guest with Deputy Commissioner Khondokar Yasir Arefin in the chair.

“Bangabandhu had organised the Bangalee nation through his dynamic leadership to fight against exploitation and repression by Pakistani rulers. The movement culminated in independent Bangladesh through the nine-month Liberation War in 1971,” the KCC mayor said while addressing the meeting as the chief guest.

Member of Parliament (MP) Runu Reza, Divisional Commissioner Helal Mahmud Sharif, Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) Mozammel Haque, DIG of Khulna Range Police Moinul Haque, Superintendent of Khulna District Police Mohammad Saidur Rahman, general secretary of city unit Awami LeagueMDA Babul Rana, freedom fighters Professor Alamgir Kabir and Mahbubur Rahman also addressed the programme as special guests.

Later, the chief guest distributed prizes among the winners of different competition.

A recitation programme from the holy Quran was held followed by a doa mahfil and munajat after Zummah prayers there.

Iftar and dinner have been served at all orphanages, hospitals and jails. Special prayers were offered at all mosques, temples, churches and pagodas.

Bangladesh Awami League and its front organisations, Khulna City Corporation, Khulna WASA, Khulna University, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna Agricultural University and other educational institutions, Khulna Betar, Khulna Shishu Academy, Mongla Port Authority, West Zone Power Company Ltd, Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Ltd, Khulna Press Club, Khulna Union of Journalists also celebrated the day.