The much-anticipated three-day-long Patiya festival has started on Tuesday with various colourful events. On the golden jubilee of independence, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal inaugurated the event by flying pigeons and balloons. National Parliament Whip Shamsul Haque Chowdhury MP was the special guest at the programme. Teachers and students of different schools and colleges, public representatives and well-wishers took part in the three-day programme under the supervision of Patiya Foundation.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said the organization and presence of the people of Patiya would inspire people across the country by recognizing the best children of all professions on the golden jubilee of Independence. Such an inspiring event will affect the consciousness of the liberation war and the correct history, especially the achievements of the people of a particular area. Recognition of their contribution to the formation of country and nation has made families proud as well as our civic duty.
Chairman of Patiya Festival Celebration Committee and Chairman of Patiya Upazila Motaherul Islam Chowdhury presided over the function.
Whip Shamsul Haque Chowdhury MP was the special guest on the first day of the three-day event. Poet and journalist Rashed Rauf, co-chairman of the festival committee, freedom fighter AQM Shamsuzzaman, secretary of the festival committee and chairman of Patiya Foundation Nazmul Karim Chowdhury Sharun spoke. DIG Anwar Hossain, Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Saleh Mohammad Tanvir, Chittagong Police Super SM Rashidul Haque, Patiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer Faisal Ahmed, Additional Superintendent of Police Tariq Rahman, General Secretary of Upazila Awami League Prof Harunur Rashid, South District AL member Bijan Chakraborty were present. Patiya Municipality Mayor Ayub Babul.
The Minister said that the history of Patiya is very glorious. The birthplace of many creators here will also carry forward this tradition. He further said that the Prime Minister is sincere in the development of Patiya because Patiya cannot be left out in the role model of development in the whole country. With the cooperation of all the people of Patiya, the desired development is possible under the present leadership as expected. He called upon all to work in unison.
Whip Shamsul Haque Chowdhury MP said the chief guest hoisted the national flag before conferring the award. After that, he inaugurated the three-day Patiya festival by flying balloons and pigeons.
After a brief discussion in the second episode, 50 fireworks were launched in the sky on the golden jubilee of the cultural program and independence. People from all walks of life and the townspeople of Patiya enjoyed the fireworks display.
On the second day of the festival on Wednesday, 11 prominent Patiya will be declared "Patiya Ratna" and given gold medals. Planning Minister MA Mannan MP will be the chief guest at the Patiya High School ground.