Special Correspondent: Paying tribute to the children and teenagers who lost their lives during the July Mass Uprising, the National Children`s and Youth Organization Ankur organized a drawing competition and prize-giving ceremony in the capital on Friday.

The event, held at a convention hall in Paltan, marked the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising and brought together young participants, educators, artists, parents, and distinguished guests in a celebration of remembrance, creativity, and hope.

Speaking as the chief guest, renowned calligraphy artist and Ankur Adviser Arifur said the sacrifices made by children and young people during the July movement of 2024 should inspire the nation to build a more peaceful, just, and compassionate Bangladesh.

"The children and teenagers who sacrificed their lives dreamed of a better Bangladesh. It is our collective responsibility to fulfill that dream by building a country where justice, humanity, and opportunities flourish," he said.

The programme was presided over by Shah Shihab Uddin, Director of Ankur, while Co-Director A.B.M. Shahidul Islam and Organizational Secretary Ahmad Ayman Andalib jointly conducted the event.

A total of ten winners from two age groups received certificates and prizes from the guests. In Group `A`, Syed Mohammad Annur Haiday, a student of Motijheel Ideal School, secured first place. In Group `B`, Rufaida Tarannum emerged as the champion. Organizers also presented special awards to every participant in recognition of their enthusiasm and artistic efforts.

The programme was attended by several distinguished personalities as special guests, including noted novelist and poet Ruhul Amin Sadi, businessman Mohiuddin Jamil, Principal Maulana Azizul Haque, Central Training Secretary of Islami Chhatra Majlis Nur Mohammad, H.M. Ershad, and other prominent figures from different sectors.

According to the organizers, the drawing competition aimed not only to commemorate the young martyrs of the July Mass Uprising but also to encourage children to express their thoughts on patriotism, peace, and the vision of a brighter Bangladesh through art.

The event concluded with the distribution of prizes and certificates amid a warm and festive atmosphere, with parents and participants expressing appreciation for an initiative that combined remembrance, creativity, and civic values.

Overall supervision of the programme was carried out by Ankur`s Finance Secretary Advocate Enayet Rabbi Ekram, along with Rafkatul Islam Rakib, Mushfiqur Rahman, and Mahir Uddin Misbah.