Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) - The nation observed the National Mourning Day on Sunday recalling the August 15, 1975 carnage, when Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was killed along with most of his family members.
On the fateful night of August 15, the killers brutally murdered not only Bangabandhu, the greatest Bangalee of all time, but also his wife Fazilatunnessa Mujib, sons Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell and daughters-in-law Sultana Kamal and Rosy Jamal.
Sixteen more dear and near ones of Bangabandhu, including his brother Sheikh Naser, brother-in-law Abdur Rab Serniabat, nephew Sheikh Fazlul Haq Moni and his wife Arzu Moni, Baby Serniabat, Sukanta Babu, Arif, Abdul Nayeem Khan Rintu and Military Secretary Colonel Jamil were also not spared during the world's most heinous brutality.
Bangabandhu's daughters, incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, survived the carnage as they were in Germany at that time.
President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh in separate messages on the occasion paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The national flag was hoisted at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous organizations, educational institutions and private buildings as well as Bangladesh missions abroad as per the programs.
President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina this morning placed wreaths at the portrait of the Father of the Nation in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at road 32 Dhanmondi in Dhaka marking the National Mourning Day.
After placing the wreaths, they stood in solemn silence for some time when bugle played the last post. A contingent drawn from the three services presented an armed salute on the occasion.
After the salute, Fateha and special Munajat seeking eternal peace of the departed souls as well as wellbeing of the country were offered.
Later, the prime minister also placed a wreath on behalf of Bangladesh Awami League at the portrait of Bangabandhu. Sheikh Hasina later visited Bangabandhu Memorial Museum where her father Bangabandhu and other family members were brutally killed on August 15 in 1975.
Sheikh Hasina also visited Tungipara this morning and placed wreaths at the mazar of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of the 35th martyrdom anniversary of the great leader.
After placing the wreaths, the prime minister stood in solemn silence for some time when the bugle played the last post. A smartly turned out contingent drawn from the three services presented a state salute on the occasion.
Sheikh Hasina distributed sewing machines among the distressed women in Tungipara. She also attended a milad on the Bangabandhu's mazar premises.
Later, a special ‘munajat’ was offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the Father of the Nation and other martyrs of the August 15 carnage.
Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private TV channels and radio stations are airing special programs and newspapers published special supplements marking the day.
District and upazila (sub-district) administrations are observing the day through discussion meetings, milad mahfils and other programs in conformity with the national programs.
Awami League and several other political and socio-cultural and professional organizations have drawn up elaborate programs, including mass prayers, placing wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in the capital Dhaka and elsewhere and discussions to mark the day.
BBN/SI/AD-16Aug10-10:16 am (BST)
