Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju spoke at a children’s drawing competition at Khulna District Shilpakala Academy. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Aug 16, 2026 (BSS) - A drawing competition for children and teenagers was held here on Sunday to mark the 82nd birthday of late Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

Organised by Zia Shishu-Kishor Sangathan at Khulna District Shilpakala Academy, the competition began at 3pm, with students from different schools in the city taking part.

Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju attended the event as the chief guest. Adviser to Bangladesh Kindergarten Association Rehana Akhter, Khulna Press Club General Secretary Tarikul Islam, and leaders of Zia Shishu-Kishor Sangathan were present as special guests.

The programme was presided over by Niaz Ahmed Tuhin, president of the organisation's Khulna metropolitan unit.

Speaking at the event, Manju said Khaleda Zia had played an important role in Bangladesh's democratic movement and struggles for people's rights and voting rights.

He said her political struggles and sacrifices could inspire the younger generation to uphold patriotism, courage and democratic values.

Manju also said children and teenagers are the architects of the country's future, while programmes such as drawing competitions help develop their creativity, talent and potential.

Other speakers said the children's artwork reflected their dreams and vision for the Bangladesh of tomorrow. They stressed the need to arrange such programmes regularly to encourage children's creative development and social values.

The organisers later took initiatives to award prizes to outstanding contestants. Guardians, children and teenagers, and leaders and activists of the organisation's city and district units attended the event.