“Have we (politicians) really been able to build a country of love and dreams for our children in 50 years of independence? We feel insulted for our failure to do that,” he told children at a programme.
The BNP leader said, “We’ve not been able to create such an abode for our children where they can safely grow up as good human beings. I often feel that we're responsible for not being able to create a beautiful, safe and peaceful abode for the children...we're divided and we’ve created divisions and conflicts among us.”
Zia Shishu Academy organised the event at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh to distribute awards among the winners of the 11t national child artists competition, ‘Shapla Kuri-2019’, marking the Golden Jubilee of the country’s independence.
Fakhrul urged all, including the political parties, to make united efforts to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for the children in the country.
"We’re now very old. We may leave the world after some days and many of our virtuous people have left us during this Covid pandemic. "We want to see a truly beautiful, just and truth-based society for the children of Bangladesh. We see our future in you,” he said pointing at the children.
The BNP leader also narrated how the nation achieved the country’s independence through a nine-month long war against Pakistani occupation forces 50 years back in 1971.
“Many people died and many others were injured and badly affected during the Liberation War. Around one crore people took shelter in India in the face of genocide here. The Pakistani army killed many of our famous intellectuals and artistes,” he told the children.
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The BNP leader also recalled their party BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman’s contributions to the Liberation War and various steps taken by him for the development of children.
Later, he distributed awards among the winners in the completion in different categories, including music, dance, recitation and acting.
On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of independence, Komol Padk, 2020 was also given in different categories at the programme.
The award recipients are Principal Selina Akhter (education), Professor Hasina Afroz (health services), ASM Shafi Mandal (music), Abdullah Al Mahmud (industrialisation), Khan Monirul Moni (expatriate welfare) Monirul Alam Sentu (public representative) and Mausumi Saha (ideal mother).
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