The formal countdown to grand celebrations of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s birth centenary will start on January 10. Countdown clocks will be set up at 82 spots across 53 districts, including 28 spots in 12 city corporations. Clocks will also be set up at Dhaka University, Tungipara of Gopalganj and Mujibnagar of Meherpur.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan came up with the information yesterday during a secretariat meeting of the security sub-committee, formed following the recommendation of the National Implementation Committee to celebrate Bangabandhu’s birth centenary.

He also said the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) authorities will be requested to keep the fair closed for a day on January 10. The minister informed that the countdown parade would start at about 3:00pm at the old airport, where Bangabandhu descended from plane on his return to independent Bangladesh in 1972. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to unveil the birth centenary logo and the countdown clock.

Around 2,000 guests and 10,000 spectators will be invited at the programme, he disclosed, saying, the spectators will have to get registered beforehand using mobile app. He also said a number of decisions have been made after a lengthy discussion. “A new member has been inducted in the committee, who will attend the next meeting. The Army will be in charge of the events that will take place on the inauguration of this countdown. Law enforcement agencies will assist them.” “Countdown clocks will be set up at 82 spots. Security will be ensured in these places. Simultaneously CCTV cameras will be installed. Security will be coordinated with the local administration,” he added.

He also said that this was the first meeting in this regard. “This meeting is to make the countdown event seamless, safe and secure. Our main event will be on March 17, where the heads of state of several countries are likely to come. Besides, few are likely to come who had a close relationship with Bangabandhu.”