17 March 2022, Bandar Seri Begawan
Bangladesh High Commission in Brunei Darussalam organized program on the occasion of the 102nd Birth
Anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as well as the National
Children’s Day. The program started with hoisting national flag of Bangladesh, and proceeded with
recitation from the Holy Quran, and special prayer for the departed souls of Bangabandhu, his family
members and other martyrs. The Bangladesh High Commissioner, Mrs Nahida Rahman Shumona paid
homage to the greatest Bengali of all times, the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman by placing floral wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu. The program continued with observing
one minute silence, reading out of the messages from the Hon’ble President, the Hon’ble Prime Minister,
the Hon’ble Foreign Minister, and the Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Government of
Bangladesh.
A documentary on Bangabandhu was screened before the invited guests who were mainly Bangladesh
community members. The documentary focused on the glorious life of Bangabandhu, his struggle,
sacrifice, dedication, profound love for the people of Bangladesh, his special affection for children,
remarkable leadership qualities, and shrewd political acumen unmatched by any other politician in the
history of Bangladesh. The Bangladesh High Commissioner while delivering her speech, paid glowing
tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. She expressed that the
attribution of the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation to Bangabandhu is truly
inspirational for people across all generations and regions in the world. Bangabandhu’s love and affection
for the children is also equally praiseworthy, she told. Despite the huge setback caused by the
reprehensible killing of Bangabandhu along with his family members on 15 August 1975, the High
Commissioner exuded hope and confidence by proudly telling that Bangladesh is now a country which is
widely recognized and appreciated for its socio-economic development, thanks to the strong and
visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, the wise and worthy
daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In the end, she invited all Bangladesh community
members to visit the ‘Bangabandhu Corner’ inside the Chancery building. The visitors unanimously
expressed satisfaction over the books on Bangabandhu and Bangladesh, pictures of Bangabandhu hanged
on the wall as well as the special care, and innovative ideas with which the ‘Bangabandhu Corner’ has
been decorated. They all took part in photo session inside ‘Bangabandhu Corner’.
Another part of the program was held online, with the presence of the legislative council member Yang
Berhormat Dayang Nik Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii, as the ‘Guest of Honour’. The event was also joined by
Dean of the diplomatic corps Ambassador of Oman HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashil bin Rashid al maskari,
Ambassador of Russia HE Vladimir Borisovich Goncharenko, Ambassador of Iran HE Homeyra Rigi, Charge
de Affairs of India and Thailand.
The speciality of the program lied in the captivating cultural performances including paintings of
Bangabandhu, dance, recitation of poems on Bangabandhu, songs etc. by the Bangladesh community
children. The differently abled children of La Vida also demonstrated their hidden talent through
paintings, songs and other artworks. Reading from Graphic Novel Mujib was done by two Bruneian
students. Children of Brunei Music Society sang songs while children from Marieta Del Mar played piano
in the event.
Dr Malai Zeiti Binti Sheikh Abdul Hamid, Assistant Professor, University Teknologi Brunei, and President,
Reading and Literary Association (ReLA) of Brunei, shed light on her understanding and realization about
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the significance of the National Children Day of Bangladesh.
The High Commissioner thanked everyone and finished the program with national slogan of Bangladesh
‘Joy Bangla’.
