I will celebrate my eighth birthday at the age of 32

An A-4 size paper was carefully enclosed by the parents. Growing up I realized the greatness of laminating paper. My date of birth, place of birth and time of birth are written there. As I grew up, I learned that I am one of those rare people whose birthday comes every four years! Because, I was born in a leap year.

I was in school then. Sometimes a daily newspaper comes in the village. If you get the newspaper you will see part of the horoscope. After that I used to read carefully the chapter on the birthdays of the pious people. I was looking for a virtuous person born on February 29! One day I was reading the article about the birthday of famous actor and theater personality Mamunur Rashid. I am overwhelmed after reading the article. Because he was born on February 29! In the village where I was born in Mathbaria of Pirojpur, I never saw anyone celebrating my birthday when I was a child. Same happened to me. Even if you don't celebrate your birthday, there is a feeling when the month of February comes.

After school and college, I went to Khulna to study honors. Making new friends on campus. One day after class one such friend called at a birthday party. The cake will be cut. Many more friends have come. Most of us don't know many people's birthdays. So, before cutting the cake, the date of the birthday is also asked. When it was my turn to speak, I muttered, "My birthday is February 29th." Everyone laughed. They thought I must be joking. Later, when I realized that my birthday was actually on a leap year, my admiration grew. I am the only person in their life who was born on a leap year. Then the friends eagerly waited for the day. I celebrated my birthday for the first time in 2012 with these friends.

Then wait four years again. In 2016, the day was also colored by friends. It was the most memorable birthday of my life. I was associated with voluntary organizations then. I work with children. I appeared at Harijnapalli in Khulna on the morning of my birthday. Celebrating my special day by cutting cake with village children. Spend the afternoon with another group of children. Then 'Leap Year' celebration with university friends and juniors! It's a happy time.

2020 after four years of waiting. The desired birthday came, and with it came the possibility of corona. Although there is no severe corona in the country, conscious people have started to accept. Following social distancing, that birthday was spent with colleagues and friends. Forgot to say, that day I entered the working life. I work for BRAC in Cox's Bazar.

And this time? I will celebrate my eighth birthday at the age of 32. 29th February is my first birthday in married life. But it will be spent in professional engagements away from the family. I have already received my wife's surprise gift. Time will tell if any surprises await!