Child Sponsorship Unit of ActionAid Bangladesh observed the National Mourning Day on 15 August 2021. It commemorates the murder of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, known as the 'Father of the Nation' on this day in 1975. On this day 46 years ago, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated along with most of his family members. To pay deep respect to the greatest son of the soil on the day of his martyrdom, ActionAid Bangladesh's Child Sponsorship Unit organizes discussions, drawing competitions, essay competitions, tree planting programs for children.

The day was observed in LRP34, LRP44, and LRP45 working areas. It's challenging to come together and observe a program with children in this ongoing coronavirus pandemic. ActionAid Bangladesh's Child Sponsor Unit is always concerned about the safety of children, the safety of the community, and the safety of its partner staff. Therefore, in compliance with the health rules, some child-centered activities are organized in memory of the Father of the Nation and to make this day meaningful. Such an arrangement was desired by the children to overcome the monotony that was going on among the children due to house arrest during the lockdown and not being able to go to school. Children participated in this event by drawing competitions on child marriage, and also through essay competitions and discussions to learn about the biography of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Imran says, “After a long time, I and my friends are very happy to be able to participate in this wonderful program.”

Following the health rules throughout the day, about 480 children, including boys and girls from three working areas, took part in the event. In some areas, children participated in the competition from their homes, and in some areas the competition was organized into small groups. From the children who took part in the drawing and composition competition, the best pictures and essays were selected and various prizes were given. Kaya says, “Our school is closed so now we have less opportunity to participate in recreational and educational activities. I am very happy to be able to join with others in the drawing competition. I draw a picture of the consequences of child marriage and am very happy to receive the award. ”

Also, as part of the observance of the day, a tree-planting program was held with the children, and saplings were planted. Children plant saplings in open spaces and the backyard. Under the tree planting program, children are made aware of the importance of planting trees through sessions so that they plant one fruit or forest sapling in their homes. Choyan says, “I have taken part in the tree planting program on the occasion of National Mourning Day and I like it very much. Global warming is causing climate change. So we must plant more trees to prevent climate change. We children can make nature green by planting trees.”