National
PM Sheikh Hasina’s Solemn Tribute to Bangabandhu on 48th Martyrdom Anniversary
On the solemn occasion of the 48th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid a heartfelt tribute by placing a wreath at his mausoleum in Tungipara. This poignant gesture also marked the National Mourning Day, an event of deep significance for the nation.
Following the wreath-laying ceremony, a moment of profound silence was observed by the prime minister, underscoring her deep respect for the visionary leader who played a pivotal role in securing the nation’s independence. It was on the fateful night of August 15, 1975, that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, along with several members of his family, fell victim to the actions of disgruntled army personnel.
A contingent of the armed forces, smartly attired, offered a state salute to honor the memory of the beloved leader, accompanied by the somber notes of a bugle playing the last post, a deeply poignant tribute.
Joined by her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, Prime Minister Hasina engaged in a solemn offering of Fateha and munajat at the gravesite, seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, and other martyrs who lost their lives on the tragic day of August 15. This reverent act took place in the presence of distinguished attendees, including the Speaker, cabinet members, chiefs of the three armed services, the Inspector General of Police, and members of the prime minister’s family.
Amidst prayers for continued national peace, progress, and prosperity, the significance of the day was underscored by these solemn gestures of remembrance and hope.
Prime Minister Hasina, who also serves as the President of the Awami League (AL), further displayed her deep respect by laying a wreath at the grave of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on behalf of her party. In unity, senior leaders of the AL stood by her side, paying homage to the indomitable spirit of the nation’s founding father.
Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, in a touching act of reverence, laid a wreath at the grave of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, echoing the sentiments of the nation in honoring his enduring legacy.
The remembrance extended beyond the official realm, as leaders from various affiliated bodies of the Awami League and its front organizations joined in paying their respects with wreaths placed at the hallowed site.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Hasina’s day of homage began with a visit to Tungipara, the ancestral home of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Arriving via helicopter at 11:35 am, the prime minister participated in a tribute-paying event at the portrait of the Father of the Nation in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi 32 area. In another emotional gesture, she visited the Banani graveyard in Dhaka, where she gently laid flower petals on the graves of the August 15 martyrs. This solemn act was accompanied by prayers and a heartfelt munajat, an expression of her unwavering connection to the nation’s history and its heroes.
The tragic events of August 15, 1975, forever etched in the nation’s memory, saw the brutal assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his devoted spouse Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, their three beloved sons—Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal, and Sheikh Russel—along with numerous other family members and close relatives. In the face of this unspeakable tragedy, Bangabandhu’s two daughters, including the present Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and her sister Sheikh Rehana, miraculously survived due to their absence from the country at that critical moment.
As the nation commemorates this day of profound significance, the homage offered by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other dignitaries stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. His sacrifice, vision, and unwavering commitment to the nation’s independence continue to inspire generations.
Catching hilsa, a renowned geographical indication (GI) product of Bangladesh, will be prohibited for 22 days starting from October 12 to November 2, marking the crucial breeding season of the year.
This decision was reached during a meeting held at the Fisheries Department’s conference room in Matsya Bhaban, chaired by Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim.
Throughout the ban period, activities such as procurement, marketing, buying, selling, transportation, stocking, and exchange of hilsa will be restricted nationwide.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received a special honor from Brown University, recognizing her innovative community clinic model, which the United Nations recently acknowledged for expanding healthcare services to the doorstep of Bangladesh’s citizens. Dr. Mukesh K. Jain, Senior Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of Medicine and Biological Sciences at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School, presented the citation to the Prime Minister at The Lotte New York Hotel, her residence.
The citation commends Sheikh Hasina for her “Sheikh Hasina Initiative,” highlighting its success as a model of Community-based Primary Health Care, emphasizing primary healthcare, women’s empowerment, and community engagement as integral components of achieving universal health coverage.
During their meeting, Dr. Jain and the Prime Minister discussed the potential Bangladesh-Brown Biomedical Research and Education Initiative, which could facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise in public health and research. Sheikh Hasina expressed her support for this initiative and underscored the importance of enhancing medical and clinical research in Bangladesh.
The Brown University has been actively involved in cervical cancer screening in various regions of Bangladesh. Dr. Jain also proposed the implementation of electronic data management systems in community clinics to maintain patient records efficiently.
Furthermore, Brown University expressed its intent to establish a formal partnership with Bangladesh for collaborative research and educational endeavors.
Dhaka’s eagerly awaited Agargaon-Motijheel segment of the Dhaka Metro Rail is scheduled to be inaugurated on October 20, 2023, by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as announced by Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader.
This significant milestone will see the opening of three crucial metro stations: Farmgate, Secretariat, and Motijheel. Together with the existing stations on the route—Bijoy Sarani, Karwan Bazar, Shahbagh, TSC, and Press Club—the metro line will offer commuters a swift and efficient journey from Agargaon to Motijheel. The entire route can be traversed in just 38 minutes, a remarkable achievement for Dhaka’s bustling metropolis.
Initially, the service will deploy five trains running from Agargaon to Motijheel at 15-minute intervals, with plans for future expansion. The newly introduced trains will be numbered, simplifying identification for passengers heading to their preferred destination.
To ensure the system’s safety and efficiency, a three-step testing process has been undertaken, including proficiency tests, system integration tests, and trial runs, all set to be completed well before the inauguration.
Operating hours for the Dhaka Metro Rail will initially be from 7 am to 10 pm, with the possibility of extension to 11:30 pm once the entire system is fully operational.
The Dhaka Metro Rail project, the country’s first of its kind, is valued at Tk 33,472 crore, with significant financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Bangladesh. While the initial estimated cost was Tk 21,000 crore, the increase is attributed to project extensions, land acquisition for stations, and additional facilities.
Construction for this transformative project commenced in 2017, with an expected completion date of December 2025.
This inauguration follows the formal launch of the Uttara-Agargaon section of the MRT-6 line in December last year, with all nine stations on this route now fully operational.
