The 98th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children's Day was observed yesterday in a befitting manner with various socio-political and cultural organisations holding diverse programmes including discussion, painting competition, and provision of free medical services across the country.

Ruling Awami League (AL) and different political   and socio-cultural organisations placed wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu, and offered munajat seeking eternal peace of his departed soul.

On this day in 1920, the nation’s architect was born in Tungipara of Gopalganj.

In Meherpur: District administration chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day.  A discussion was held at deputy commissioner’s office premises with Porimal Shingh, deputy commissioner in the chair.

The speakers said that the Pakistani rulers imprisoned him 18 times and he did not compromise with the Pakistani juntas. Bangabandhu declared independence of the country soon after the Pakistani force began killing innocent Bangalees indiscriminately on the night of March 25 in 1971.

The speakers also said that anti liberation forces are out to make the country unstable through creating anarchy aimed at protecting the war criminals.

In Shariatpur: Member of the Parliament Nahim Razzak paid homage placing wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu at Damudya upazila early in the morning. A milad mahfil and qurankhani were held at different mosques of the upazila. Besides, short-film on Bangabandhu was screened at the upazila premises.  In Tangail: A rally led by VC of Moulana Bhashani University of Science and Technology Dr Alauddin paraded through the main streets of the campus. A discussion was held on the occasion. Drawing competition for children, essay competition, photography exhibition and special prayer were the highlights of the day.

In Chapainawabganj:  District administration arranged a colourful procession in the morning. Chapainawabganj Polytechnic Institute organised a discussion at its auditorium where lawmaker of Chapainawabganj sadar constituency Abdul Wadud attended as chief guest.

In Noakhali: Nearly 400 children of different schools took part at an art competition  at Maijdee yesterday. Bangabandhu Shishu Mela, Noakhali unit, organised the programme.

Noakhali Shilpakala Academy, Noakhali Government Women’s College, Noakhali Government College , and different schools arranged programme to mark the day.