The nation on Thursday will observe the 38th death anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the National Mourning Day.
On August 15, 1975, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s architect, was assassinated along with most of his family members by a group of disgruntled army officers.
Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana — two daughters of Bangabandhu — escaped the gruesome killing as they had been in Germany at that time.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion of the National Mourning Day.
In his message, President Abdul Hamid said, “Father of the Nation Bangabandhu had dreamt of a golden Bangla throughout his life. Now it’s our utmost responsibility to materialise his dream by building a happy and prosperous country.”
He further said, “The trial of Bangabandhu’s assassination was held on Bangladesh’s soil after 35 years. Today, the nation is somewhat free from stigma. Now we should take all-out initiatives to bring the condemned fugitives back to the country in order to execute the verdict.”
In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, “The killers have killed Bangabandhu but they couldn’t kill his dream and ideals. Millions of people of this soil have been nurturing in their hearts the ideals of sacrifice of Bangabandhu.”
Meanwhile, elaborate programmes have been taken by the government as well as political parties and other socio-cultural organisations to mark the day.
The national flag will fly at half-mast from the sunrise at all government, semi-government, autonomous offices, educational institutions and Bangladesh missions abroad on the occasion of the National Mourning Day.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths at the graveyard of Bangabandhu at Tungipara and offer fateha at 10.00 am.
The President and the premier will also place wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu at Dhanmoni-32 in the capital at 6.30 am.
Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths at 7.30 am at Banani Graveyard at the graves of all those who were killed with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on August 15, 1975.
A milad mahfil will be held at Bangabhaban after Asr prayers on the occasion of the National Mourning Day.
The other programmes of the day include milad mahfil and prayers at all religious institutions.
Bangladesh Awami League will also organise a discussion on Friday at 3.30 pm at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre. Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina will attend the discussion as the chief guest.
Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will broadcast special programmes while newspapers publish supplements on the occasion.
Source: UNB Connect
