The nation today observed the National Mourning Day and 46th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman amid different programmes with due respect.
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members were brutally killed by some disgruntled army men on the fateful night of August 15, 1975 and this carnage is touted as the ugliest chapter of the nation’s history.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu, escaped the planned assassination with her sister Sheikh Rehana as they were staying overseas then.
The government took elaborate programmes to observe the day with due respect and solemnity, maintaining health guidelines.
As part of the programme, the national flag was hoisted half-mast at the buildings of all government, semi-government, autonomous, educational institutions and private offices.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, marking the National Mourning Day and the 46th anniversary of his martyrdom.
As part of the state program, the Prime Minister paid homage to the architect of the country’s independence by placing wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road No 32 in the capital in the morning.
After placing wreath, the premier stood in solemn silence for some time showing profound respect to the great leader.
A smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces gave a state salute at that time, while the bugle played a tune of grief and somber to the last post.
A munajat was also offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the August 15 carnage.
Later, the Prime Minister visited the historic residence of Father of the Nation at Dhanmondi Road No. 32 which witnessed the world’s most barbaric carnage on this day 46 years back.
Sheikh Hasina stayed in the house, which has now been turned into Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, for a while.
From Dhanmondi, the Premier later went to Banani Graveyard where her mother Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib, brothers Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal, and Sheikh Russel and other martyrs of August 15 were laid to eternal rest.
The Prime Minister placed wreaths and spread flower petals on their graves. She also offered Fateha and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs of August 15.
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader along with senior party leaders paid glowing tributes to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his portrait after the premier left the premises of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.
Dhaka North and South City Corporation, different ministries, state-run banks, governmental and non-government institutions and organizations also placed wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu.
President M Abdul Hamid today offered doa at Durbar Hall of the Bangabhaban after Asr prayers marking the National Mourning Day and the 46th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
A special munajat was offered on the occasion seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of Bangabandhu and his family members who embraced martyrdom on the fateful August 15 in 1975.
Besides, doa was also offered seeking overall development and progress of the country and the nation at the tough time of COVID-19 pandemic.
The President’s family members, secretaries concerned to the Presidential palace, civil and military officials and employees attended the milad-mahfil and doa-munajat.
Bangabhaban Jame Masjid Pesh Imam Maulana Muhammad Saiful Kabir conducted the munajat.
Besides, different political, social and cultural organizations also paid homage to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his mausoleum at Tungipara in Gopalganj.
On behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, homage was paid to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara in Gopalganj.
On behalf of the premier, her Military Secretary Major General Naqib Ahmed Chowdhury paid tributes to Bangabandhu by placing a wreath at his shrine there.
In line with the national programmes, different ministries and divisions, departments and agencies including the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Medical Education And Family Welfare Division organized various programmes at their respective institutions, maintaining the social distancing and health guidelines.
In accordance with the national programmes, district and upazila administrations also drew up their respective programmes, including discussions and doa mahfils, marking the National Mourning Day maintaining the social distancing.
Bangladesh missions abroad also arranged different programme to observe the day with due respect.
