March 17 grand ‘Mujib Borsho’ programme to be held later: Committee

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: After the detection of coronavirus cases for the first time in Bangladesh, the year-long programmes taken to celebrate the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during the ‘Mujib Borsho’ have been rearranged considering public health, reports UNB.

The grand inaugural ceremony of the birth centenary celebrations scheduled for March 17 next at the National Parade Ground will be held later due to the prevailing situation across the world caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

Other celebration programmes will also be observed avoiding massive public gatherings.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Birth Centenary Celebration National Implementation Committee at Ganobhaban in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana.

Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, chief coordinator of the committee, made the announcement at a press briefing at the International Mother Language Institute on Sunday night.

Kamal Abdul Naser said foreign guests are not coming for now. He, however, said other programmes will continue throughout the year.

The government declared the period from March 17, 2020 to March 26, 2021 as the ‘Mujib Borsho’ marking the birth centenary of Bangabandhu.

Year-long massive programmes have been chalked on the occasion.

Heads of government of different countries, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were invited to join the celebrations.

Meanwhile, three coronavirus-infected patients have been detected in Bangladesh.

Prof Meerjady Sabrina Flora, director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), came up with the information at a press briefing at IEDCR on Sunday.

Coronavirus, which was first reported in China’s Wuhan, has infected more than 100,000 people and killed over 3,400 as of Sunday.