Lyna Mohamad
The Bangladesh High Commission in Brunei Darussalam hosted a ceremony marking the 103rd birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as well as National Children’s Day 2023 at its chancery in Kampong Tanah Jambu yesterday.
Permanent Secretary (Sports) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud was present as the guest of honour.
Bangladesh community members, ambassadors and high commissioners from Cambodia, Turkiye, Malaysia, Pakistan, Timor-Leste, and Iran, Deputy Heads of Mission from Pakistan, Timor-Leste, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, People’s Republic of China and Oman also participated.
The programme started with the hoisting of the national flag of Bangladesh and proceeded with recitation from the holy Quran, and a special prayer for the departed souls of Bangabandhu, his family members and other martyrs followed by a one-minute silence.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, Nahida Rahman Shumona paid homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing a floral wreath on his portrait.
The programme continued with the reading out the messages from the Bangladesh President, the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs.
A documentary on Bangabandhu was screened, focussing on his life, struggles, sacrifices, dedication, love for the people of Bangladesh, his affection for children, leadership qualities, and political acumen.
Yesterday’s event also saw the presentation of books on Bangabandhu to principal of Seri Mulia Sarjana International School (SMIS), Chong Wee Meng as well as the presentation of certificates and tokens of appreciation to a La Vida representative, Pengiran Wahab, Siti Kaprawi, and Jessy Lim from Mirra Hanna Employment Agency for sponsoring the event.
One of the students from SMSIS also expressed his feelings and delivered a note of thanks.
The event saw a live painting activity led by Pengiran Wahab and participated by the children of La Vida, Reading and Literacy Association (ReLA) and students from Brunei and Bangladesh community.
Nahida, in paying tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu, expressed that the attribution of the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation to Bangabandhu is inspirational for people across all generations and regions.
Bangabandhu’s affection for children is also equally praiseworthy despite the huge setback caused by the killing of Bangabandhu along with his family members on August 15, 1975.
Bangladesh is now a country which is widely recognised and appreciated for its socio-economic development.
This is attributed to the strong and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu, the high commissioner said.
Bangladesh community members were present also visited the ‘Bangabandhu Corner’ inside the Chancery building where they commended the books and pictures of Bangabandhu as well as the thoughtful decorations.
