The nation is gearing up to commemorate the National Mourning Day and the 48th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on Tuesday with solemnity and deep respect.
On the tragic night of August 15, 1975, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members were brutally assassinated by a group of disgruntled army personnel, marking one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s history.
In addition to Bangabandhu and his wife, Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nesha Mujib, 26 others, including family members and relatives, lost their lives on that day, as stated on the AL website.
The list of martyrs encompasses Bangabandhu’s eldest son, Sheikh Kamal, second son Sheikh Jamal, daughters-in-law Sultana Kamal and Parveen Jamal Rozi, youngest son, ten-year-old Sheikh Russell, younger brother Sheikh Abu Nasser, nephew Sheikh Fazlul Haque Mani, along with his pregnant wife Begum Arju Moni, and Bangabandhu’s brother-in-law Abdur Rab Serniabat. The tragic night also claimed the life of Colonel Jamil Uddin Ahmad, Bangabandhu’s chief security officer.
His two surviving daughters, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, who now serves as Prime Minister, narrowly escaped the planned assassination as they were abroad during the tragic incident.
To commemorate this day, the government has outlined a comprehensive program, including flying the national flag at half-mast across all government and semi-government institutions, autonomous bodies, educational institutions, and Bangladesh’s missions abroad, as reported by BSS.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will pay their respects to Bangabandhu by laying wreaths at his portrait at 6:30 am in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on Dhanmondi Road No-32 in the capital.
The Prime Minister will also place wreaths at the Banani Graveyard on the graves of Bangabandhu’s family members and other martyrs who tragically lost their lives on August 15, 1975. She will offer Fateha and munajat to seek eternal peace for their departed souls.
Cabinet members, lawmakers, political parties, socio-cultural organizations, and government bodies will also pay tribute by placing wreaths at Bangabandhu’s portrait on Dhanmondi Road No-32. Similar wreaths will be laid at the mausoleum of Bangabandhu in Tungipara, Gopalganj, accompanied by prayers and discussions.
Other martyrs of the August 15 tragedy will also be honored with wreaths at their graves at the Banani graveyard in the capital. Educational institutions will organize various competitions, cultural events, and photo exhibitions.
National newspapers will feature special supplements, while Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television will broadcast programs to remember the brutal assassination of Bangabandhu.
The ruling Awami League (AL) has also arranged various programs, including flying national and party flags at half-mast and hoisting black flags at all AL offices across the country, including Bangabandhu Bhaban and the central office at Bangabandhu Avenue.
AL leaders and workers will pay their respects to Bangabandhu by laying wreaths at his portrait at 6:30 am in the premises of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on Dhanmondi Road No-32.
Tributes will also be paid to the other martyrs of August 15 by placing wreaths at their graves in the Banani graveyard at 8 am. Special prayers and milad mahfil will also be held there.
A delegation from AL’s Gopalganj district and Tungipara upazila units will pay homage to Bangabandhu at his mausoleum in Tungipara at 12 pm, followed by fateha offerings and special prayers.
Various religious communities across the country, including mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas, will hold special prayers to honor the National Mourning Day.
As part of the central program, a candlelight vigil and special prayers will be observed at Mirpur Baptist Church at one minute past midnight on August 15.
Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu communities will also conduct special prayers at their respective places of worship.
Food distribution to the underprivileged, orphans, and distressed individuals will take place nationwide.
A discussion will be held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) at 4 pm on August 16, chaired by Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
