The country observed National Mourning Day today (August 15) commemorating the 48th anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's tragic assassination.
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.
Like previous years, the government, Awami League and different political and socio-cultural organisations, educational institutions and professional groups chalked out elaborate programmes to pay the utmost respect to the greatest son of the soil on the day of his martyrdom.
The nation, however, started observing the month of mourning from August 1, recalling the most brutal killing in its history and renewing the pledge to safeguard perpetually the country's independence and sovereignty.
The government took elaborate programmes to observe the day with due respect and solemnity. As part of the programme the national flag was hoisted half-mast atop the offices of all government, semi-government and autonomous bodies and educational institutions on the day.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid homage to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his portrait this morning in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road No-32 in the capital.
The prime minister also placed wreaths at Banani Graveyard on the graves of the family members of Bangabandhu and other martyrs who were brutally killed on August 15, 1975.
She also offered Fateha and munajat seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs.
Cabinet members, lawmakers, political parties, socio-cultural organizations and government bodies also paid glowing tributes to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his portrait at Dhanmondi Road No-32.
The premier and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina later in the day placed wreaths at the mausoleum of Bangabandhu at Tungipara in Gopalganj. Fateha and munajat were offered and discussions were held there.
Tributes were also paid to other martyrs of the August 15 carnage by placing wreaths at their graves at Banani graveyard in the capital.
Educational institutions arranged different competitions, cultural functions and photo-exhibitions to mark the day.
National dailies published special supplements while Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television broadcast various programmes recalling the brutal assassination of Bangabandhu.
Ruling Awami League (AL) drew up various programmes including keeping national and party flags at half mast and hoisting black flags atop all AL offices across the country including Bangabandhu Bhaban and central office at Bangabandhu Avenue at dawn.
AL leaders and workers paid glowing tributes to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his portrait on the premises of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi road number 32 here this morning.
Doa and milad mahfil were arranged at mosques across the country including Baitul Mukarram National Mosque after Zohr prayers.
Besides, special prayers were offered at temples, churches and pagodas across the country to mark the National Mourning Day.
BDST: 2012 HRS, AUGUST 15, 2023
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