The fourth day of "Mujib Chirantan", the ten-day celebration of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence, was held at National Parade Square yesterday. The theme of the day was, "Tarunner Alok Shikha".  As the theme suggests, the fourth day of the programme celebrated the youth, featuring prominent young individuals from different sectors – from the arts to science and technology.

The first session of the programme featured a discussion session on the theme of the day. It was moderated by State Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Zunaid Ahmed Palak. After that, a documentary film, featuring the struggles of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was screened.  The session was participated by renowned author Professor Muhammed Zafar Iqbal.

Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) presented a congratulatory message for the occasion. A recorded message by French Senator and President of the Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group for South East Asia Madame Jacqueline Deromedi, was played in the programme.

The second session featured a cultural programme on the theme of the day. From the announcements, music, and choreography - everything was done by young artistes. The programme was attended by Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Actors Jaya Ahsan and Chanchal Chowdhury hosted the event, playing their notable characters Ranu and Misir Ali.

The celebrations started with a musical performance by Fuad, Pantho Kanai, Johan, Sabbir, Tanzim Sarwar, Konal, Anika and Tashfee. Various folk songs were performed, commemorating the vigor and life of the youth. 

The programme also featured a tribute to the Father of the Nation from Japan, with a musical performance by the band Bajna Beat. The Japanese band was made in Bangladesh, and consists of two members, Mae Watanabe and Shunsuke Mizutani. The duo, with their music, painted a picture of the seasons of Japan- starting from the sakura (cherry blossoms) in spring, to the fireworks of summer, as well as the leaves of fall and snow of winter.

Watanabe talked about how Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had visited Japan, and she hoped that he had liked her home country. Besides Japanese songs, the duo performed the song "Dhono Dhanno Pushpo Bhora".

Change makers such as Microbiologist Dr Senjuti Saha who led a team of three scientists to successfully complete the genome sequencing of the SARS Cov-2 virus in Bangladesh, creator of Cyber Teens, Sadat Rahman, National Women's Cricket Team captain Jahanara Alam, Chief Executive of Pathao Hussain Elius and mountaineer Nishat Mazumder, first Bangladeshi woman to climb Mt. Everest, were the hosts of the programme. Directed by Puja Sengupta, a theatrical performance, titled "Odommo" was performed by the group Turongomi. The performance reflected the struggles of Bangabandhu and the youth against the Pakistani regime. The celebrations concluded with the modern rendition of Bangabandhu's favourite songs, such as "Mora Jhonjhar Moto" and "Chol Chol",  performed by Shakib Chowdhury, Rafa, Sumi, Sufi, and others.

The author is a freelance journalist.