Women Journalists’ Forum (WJF) organised the prize giving ceremony of an art and recitation contest – ‘Amra Bijoyee Shishu’ – at the Jatiya Press Club in the afternoon.
In her speech, WJF President Momtaz Bilkis said children are the future of the nation and hoped that they would build a nation free of discrimination and violence.
Jatiya Press Club Secretary Farida Yasmin lauded WJF’s efforts to spread patriotism among children and wished that such events are held every year.
Bangladesh Nari Sangbadik Kendra President Nasimun Ara Haque emphasised the importance of teaching children the true history of the Liberation War.
Human rights activist Sultana Kamal remembered the martyred freedom fighters and intellectuals while congratulating the winners and participants of the competition.
She said culturally-sound children will take the country forward. She urged parents not to put pressure on their children for doing well in contests and exams.
The rights activist stressed fostering honesty among children.
Chief guest Samarjeet Roy Chowdhury, Dhaka University’s Supernumerary Professor, said the children need to be brought up properly for the sake of the country's prosperity.
Sajeda Setara Art Academy chief Mir AhsanulAlam and WJF Vice-president Mahmuda Chowdhury also spoke at the programme.
Prizes were distributed in three categories for painting and recitation while the children gave excellent culture performances throughout the ceremony.
The event was co-hosted by Sajeda Setara Art Academy.