DHAKA: Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC observed the National Mourning Day on Thursday, marking the 39th death anniversary of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with due solemnity.

The day began with the hoisting of the National Flag at half-mast on the Embassy premises and also at the Bangladesh House. 

On the occasion, a discussion session was organized at the Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Embassy where a large number of expatriate Bangladeshis, media representatives and embassy officials were attended.

Messages of the President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were read out in the event.

Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA H.E. Mr. Mohammad Ziauddin in his speech paid a rich tribute to the memories of Bangabandhu and offered an account of the irreparable losses the country has suffered due to his sad demise at the very nascent stage of Bangladesh's journey as an independent country.

He further said that the brutal killing of the Father of the Nation was the greatest anticlimax in the history of Bangladesh.

He also appreciated Sheikh Hasina for her courageous leadership and to advance democratic and secular norms and values in the country.

He urged upon the expatriate Bangladeshis to join hands with the Government in its journey toward a happy and prosperous Bangladesh.

A documentary film featuring the life and works of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was screened on the occasion.

At the end of the discussion session, Doa Mahfil and special prayers were offered for the eternal peace of the departed souls of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members.

BDST: 1742 HRS, AUG 21, 2014