The nation is observing National Mourning Day today, commemorating the 47th anniversary of the martyrdom of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Bangabandhu 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.
Bangabandhu’s wife Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, sons Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russel, daughters-in-law Sultana Kamal and Rosy Jamal, brother Sheikh Naser, peasant leader Abdur Rab Serniabat, youth leader Sheikh Fazlul Haq Moni and his wife Arzu Moni, Baby Serniabat, Sukanta Babu, Arif and Abdul Nayeem Khan Rintu were also killed along with Bangabandhu. Bangabandhu’s two daughters – incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana – survived the carnage as they were in Germany at that time.
Father of the Nation's two daughters Sheikh Hasina, now Prime Minister, and Sheikh Rehana escaped the planned assassination as they were staying abroad.
The Bangalee nation witnessed the history’s most heinous incident this day in 1975 at a time when Bangabandhu devoted himself to implementing his dream to build the country as Sonar Bangla (golden Bengal).
The government, Awami League and different socio-cultural organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe National Mourning Day with due respect and solemnity.
The programmes include hoisting of the national flag at half mast atop all the government and non-government offices and Bangladesh missions abroad.
The day is a public holiday. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private TV channels are airing special programmes while newspapers published special supplements on the occasion.
As part of the programme, the national flag kept hoisted half-mast at the buildings of all government, semi-government, autonomous, educational institutions and private offices on the day, said an official handout.
Wreaths will be placed at the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in the capital.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid homage to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the capital.
Floral wreaths were also placed at the graves of martyred family members of Bangabandhu and other martyrs of the August 15 carnage at Banani Graveyard in the capital.
Wreaths will be laid at the grave of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara in Gopalganj district.
Marking the day, the Awami League will also hold a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at 4:00pm tomorrow.
Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will virtually preside over the meeting.
BDST: 1243 HRS, AUG 15, 2022
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