Children of Rasulpur build their own Shaheed Minars

In line with its tradition for the last couple of years, school children from Barishal city's Rasulpur Char wrapped the area with Language Day fervour by constructing 30 Shaheed Minars.

As part of a competition, the children handmade the replica monuments with brick, wood, bamboo, paper, and 10 even with Banana trees! The pieces were later exhibited by the competition's organisers Samajtantrik Chatrafront Barishal district and city units.

This unique way of paying homage to the Language Martyrs has been running for the last seven years, said Rejwan, one of the organisers.

Dr Manisha Chakraborty, another organiser, said around two thousand people live in the area, but most of them are too poor to spend money on entertainment or tributes.

"(This is why) we planned to organise something that could inspire the kids from the slums in the area," she added. "They're really patriotic, but they don't have a lot of opportunities to exercise it."

The fund was put together by the locals themselves, who donated Tk 5-10 each, Moumita (12), one of the participants, told this correspondent.

Participant Sumaiya (11) said around 300 children were involved in building the Shaheed Minars. On exhibit day, the children brought flowers and laid them down on their self-built Minars.

Professor Shah Sajeda, an eminent academician, said this event is a unique programme, which allows children to grow a relationship with their mother tongue.

Peot Dipankar Chakraborty said such events can play a pivotal role in raising children's awareness of language and history education.