DHAKA: Friday is the first day of the Month of Mourning. In this month in 1975, people of Bangladesh lost the greatest son of the soil and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

On the fateful night of August 15 in 1975, some over ambitious disgruntled army officers killed Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 16 members of his family and close relations in a military putsch.

Those family members of Bangabandhu massacred in the heinous incident included his wife Begum Fazilatunnessa Mujib, sons Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell, daughter-in-laws Sultana Kamal and Rosy Jamal. Besides, Bangabandhu's brother Sheikh Naser, sister-in-law Abdur Rab Serniabat, nephew and noted journalist Sheikh Fazlul Huq Moni, his wife Arzoo Moni and Colonel Jamil were also killed on that day.

However, Bangabandhu's two daughters Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana could escape the mayhem as they were abroad then.

The ruling Awami League, its associate bodies and likeminded organisations have chalked out a month-long programme to observe the Month of Mourning that begins on Friday.

The August 15 will be observed as the National Mourning Day to commemorate the assassination of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members.

In observance of the Month of Mourning, Awami Juba League and Awami Swechchasebak League will stage a candle-lit vigil at one minute past zero hours on Friday.

Bangabandhu was the pioneer and architect of independent Bangladesh and its sovereignty. His political prudence, indomitable courage, eloquence and powerful leadership motivated the countrymen to join in the war of liberation.

August 15 in 1975 is a black-chapter in the history of Bangladeshi nation. Bangabandhu and his family members were ruthlessly murdered by anti liberation force and with the help of army member in this day. And the nation incurred an irretrievable loss. The nation is deeply shocked and full with grief for this shameful incident.

BDST: 0001 HRS, AUG 01, 2014