17 March 2023:

Bangladesh Embassy in Rome observed the 103^rd Birth Anniversary and National Children’s Day-2023 today (17 March 2023) with great enthusiasm and due festivity.  The programme included, among others, hoisting of the national flag at 0800 hrs. at the Chancery premises by Mr. Md. Shameem Ahsan, Ambassador to Italy, along with all officers and officials of Embassy, laying floral wreath at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman followed by a one-minute silence in remembrance of the Father of the Nation and all the heroic martyrs, discussion session, reading out the messages on this special day, offering special prayer and celebration of other elements of the programme at a well-renowned Italian school.

At the discussion segment held at the auditorium of the Embassy, Ambassador Mr. Ahsan in his welcome remarks, paid deep tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the heroic martyrs of the war of liberation. He said that the dream of Bangabandhu was to ensure the economic and political emancipation of the Bangalees. To ensure the rights of general masses, he struggled throughout his life - he added. The Ambassador especially highlighted how the innate human qualities and deep affection of Bangabandhu for children attracted the attention of all in his teens. He added that compassion that was evident in the character of Bangabandhu during his childhood shaped the fundamental trait of his political philosophy of later life and that was “love for the people”. At this joyous occasion, he underscored the importance of teaching the ideals and philosophy of Bangabandhu to all children.

The final part of the celebration was held at a famous school in Rome, named ‘IIS Leopoldo Pirelli’ at 10:00 am aimed at awakening the foreign students about the life, philosophy, sacrifice and the epic struggles of the Father of the Nation. On this auspicious occasion, the auditorium of the school assumed a festive look decorated with banners, portraits, festoons, balloons, glittering materials, map, and flag of Bangladesh largely done by the Italian school students, creating a joyous ambience.

Mr. Ahsan spoke on the life of Bangabandhu which generated keen interest among the inquisitive students, and he also replied to their questions on this great occasion. A video documentary on the Birth Anniversary of the Father of the Nation was screened which was well received. Faculties of the School received the Italian version of “The Unfinished Memoirs'-the Autobiography by the Father of the Nation” while the Ambassador also distributed Mission’s bilingual publication “The Opportunia” marking birth centenary of Bangabandhu, to the young students. At the end, students, both foreign and Bangladeshi, received token gifts and snacks were served among all the participants and a birthday cake was cut by the Ambassador along with the students, faculties and Mission Officials amid cheering applause. 

Bangladesh Ambassador thanked the School and Global Action, a platform to connect students with the foreign Missions, for their support in this regard.