President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (August 15) paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, marking his 48th martyrdom anniversary and the National Mourning Day.
The President and Prime Minister paid homage to the architect of the country's independence by placing a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road No 32 in the capital this morning.
After placing the wreath, they stood in solemn silence for some time to show 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 martyrs of the August 15 carnage.
Later, flanked by senior Awami League (AL) leaders and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana, Sheikh Hasina, also AL President, placed a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu on behalf of the party.
Speaker of the House, Chief Justice, cabinet members and chiefs of army, navy and air forces, among others, were present on the occasion.
From Dhanmondi, the premier later went to the Banani Graveyard where her mother Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, brothers Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal, and Sheikh Russel and other martyrs of August 15, 1975 were laid to eternal rest.
She placed wreaths and spread flower petals on their graves.
Sheikh Hasina also offered Fateha and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs of August 15.
The day is being observed across the country as National Mourning Day.
Bangabandhu was assassinated in a military putsch on August 15, 1975, along with most of his family members. The predawn attacks left a total of 24 people killed.
The victims also include Bangabandhu's wife Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib, sons Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and nine-year-old Sheikh Russell, daughters-in-law Sultana Kamal and Parveen Jamal, brother Sheikh Naser, nephew Sheikh Fazlul Huq Moni and his wife Begum Arju Moni, brother-in-law Abdur Rab Serniabat, 13-year-old Baby Serniabat, Serniabat's son Arif and four-year-old grandson Babu, three guests, Bangabandhu's four domestic helps, and his security chief Col Jamil Uddin Ahmed.
Bangabandhu’s two daughters -- Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana -- could escape the bloodbath as they were abroad at the time.
BDST: 0940 HRS, AUG 15, 2023
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