United News of Bangladesh

The world observed another "no hugs" Mother's Day Sunday amid the pandemic. Mothers and their children marked the special day across Bangladesh as well although the ongoing pandemic robbed it of signs of affection. Since the day's inception and later commercialisation in the US and the rest of the world, the day has been celebrated by spreading the love for mothers with indoor and outdoor events. Although this year's occasion was no different from the previous one for those living with their mothers – who could offer them good wishes, hugs and gifts – while those living apart had to be happy with making phone calls and video calls. Also, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram were flooded with special messages and write-ups from everyday people to celebrities for their mothers. Many also recalled the loving memory of their mothers whom they lost recently. Some countries like the US are now slowly lifting Covid restrictions after being able to curb Covid-19 infections and fatalities, and stepping up vaccination drive. However, Bangladesh's largest neighbour India is grappling with the worst outbreak, setting a new daily global record of confirmed cases and deaths. So, countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan are watching out for a potentially more infectious Covid-19 variant crossing the border from the country as they are also reporting a recent surge in new cases, forcing Mother's Day celebrations indoors. The situation has separated children from their parents and the longing is accentuated by the occasion of Mother's Day. Inspired by the idea that "mother is the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world," Anna Jarvis, an American woman activist, campaigned for the day during the first decade of 1900. Following her mother Ann Reeves Jarvis's death in 1905, Anna Jarvis established Mother's Day as a way of honouring the sacrifices mothers make for their children.