National Mourning Day Observed with Solemnity

The National Mourning Day and the 47th martyrdom anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, were observed with profound respect and solemnity across Bangladesh and its missions abroad. The tragic events of 15th August 1975, when Bangabandhu and most of his family members were brutally assassinated by a faction of disgruntled army personnel, remain an indelible mark on the nation’s history. Only his daughters, Sheikh Hasina, the current Prime Minister, and Sheikh Rehana, survived as they were abroad at the time.

National Observances and State Programmes

The government arranged extensive programmes at the national level to commemorate the day. As part of the state observance:

• The national flag was flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous, and educational institutions, as well as private buildings and Bangladesh missions abroad.
• At dawn, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid homage to Bangabandhu by placing a wreath at his portrait in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32.
• A contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces presented a state salute, accompanied by the bugle’s mournful tune.
• A special munajat was offered, praying for the eternal peace of the martyrs of 15th August 1975.
• The Prime Minister visited Bangabandhu’s historic residence, now transformed into a museum, where the tragic massacre occurred.

Commemorations at Key Sites

Tributes at Banani Graveyard

Sheikh Hasina later visited the Banani Graveyard, where her mother Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, brothers Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal, and Sheikh Russell, along with other victims of the 1975 massacre, are laid to rest. She placed floral wreaths and offered prayers for their departed souls, while the armed forces paid a state salute in their honour.

Homage at Bangabandhu’s Mausoleum in Tungipara

In the afternoon, the Prime Minister travelled to Tungipara, Gopalganj, the birthplace of Bangabandhu, where she placed wreaths at his mausoleum. A state salute was presented by the armed forces, followed by special prayers and milad mahfil seeking continued peace and prosperity for the nation.

Nationwide Commemorative Activities

Government offices, ministries, and key institutions, including the Prime Minister’s Office, Information and Broadcasting Ministry, and the Cultural Affairs Ministry, paid their respects. Universities, colleges, and schools organised various events such as:

• Poetry recitations, essay competitions, and art exhibitions in remembrance of Bangabandhu.
• Special prayers and doa mahfil at mosques, temples, churches, and other places of worship.
• Documentary screenings on the life and works of Bangabandhu by the Department of Mass Communication.
• A week-long photo exhibition at the Bangladesh Secretariat, organised by the Press Information Department.
• Special broadcasts by Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television.

Local government bodies, including city corporations, municipalities, and union parishads, also arranged commemorative events.

Tributes by Political and Social Organisations

Leaders and members of various socio-political and cultural organisations, including Awami League (AL) and its associated wings, Bangladesh Chhatra League, Jubo League, Krishak League, and Sramik League, gathered at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum to pay their respects.

Internationally, Bangladesh missions abroad observed the day by lowering the national flag to half-mast and organising discussions on Bangabandhu’s legacy.

Upcoming Commemorative Events

On Tuesday, a discussion programme will be held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC), presided over by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The event will reflect on Bangabandhu’s contributions to the nation and the significance of his leadership in shaping Bangladesh’s independence and development.

A Legacy Remembered

The observance of National Mourning Day underscores the enduring impact of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s vision for an independent and progressive Bangladesh. The annual tribute serves as a solemn reminder of his contributions and the sacrifices made by his family for the nation’s sovereignty and democracy.