A talent hunt programme titled 'Protibhar Onneshan' began at

Tejgaon Church Community Centre in the city yesterday.

The six-day programme, organised by Dhaka Christian Students' Welfare Association, includes competitions in drawing, general knowledge, Tagore song, Nazrul song, instrumental music and recitations.

The competitions are open only for the children of Christian community reading from class one to class 12.

Inaugurating the 30th programme as chief guest Law Minister Moudud Ahmed said all children irrespective of their religious faith must be groomed properly as they are the future of the country.

He said a vested quarter always wants to disturb the communal harmony in the country for its own interest.

The minister praised the association for organising such activities that help flourish talents of children and youth.

Speaking as special guest Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran, chairman of Debate for Democracy, said Protibhar Onneshan programme was so popular that it inspired late president Ziaur Rahman to launch 'Natun Kuri', another talent hunt programme in BTV.

Assistant Vice-president of ATN Bangla and child organiser Tashik Ahmed, Director of Bangladesh Youth First Concern (BYFC) Peter Halder, President and General Secretary of the organisation Shuvo Michael Rodrix and Sukhen Gomez, Suman Benzamin Costa and Madhobhi Cruse also spoke on the occasion.

Dhaka Christian Students' Welfare Association was established in 1970 and started its talent hunt programme 'Protibhar Onneshan' in 1975.

The closing as well as prize giving ceremony of the competition will be held on October 14.

State Minister for Education Ehsanul Haq Milon is expected to be the chief guest at the function.