Nation pays tribute to Bangabandhu

People across the country observed the National Mourning Day, the 48th death anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, with due respect yesterday.

The dark day is being observed as the National Mourning Day and it is a public holiday.

On this day in 1975, Bangabandhu along with most of his family members was assassinated by a section of disgruntled army personnel. His two daughters — Sheikh Hasina, now the prime minister, and Sheikh Rehana — escaped the bloodbath as they were abroad.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid glowing tributes to Bangabandhu by placing a wreath at his mural in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on Dhanmondi-32 at 6:30am.

Later, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to the architect of the nation by placing a wreath at the portrait as part of the state programme.

The president and the premier stood in solemn silence for some time to show profound respect to the great leader.

A smartly turned-out contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces gave a state salute at that time, while the bugle played a tune of grief and somber to the last post.

A munajat was also offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs of the August 15 carnage.

Later, flanked by senior Awami League leaders and her younger sister Rehana, Hasina, also AL president, placed a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu on behalf of the party.

Speaker of the House, chief justice, cabinet members and chiefs of army, navy and air forces, among others, were present on the occasion.

From Dhanmondi, the PM went to the Banani Graveyard where her mother Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, brothers Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal, and Sheikh Russel and other martyrs of August 15, 1975, were laid to eternal rest.

She placed wreaths and spread flower petals on their graves. She also offered fateha and prayed for eternal peace for the departed souls.

Later, the premier went to Bangabandhu’s mausoleum in Tungipara and paid tribute by placing a wreath.

The national flags are lowered to half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous bodies, educational institutions, private buildings and Bangladesh missions abroad.

The government, ruling AL and associated bodies, socio-cultural organisations and professional bodies have chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day.

The day was also observed at Bangladesh missions in the world.

To mark the day, Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi held a discussion on the life and struggles of Bangabandhu and later offered special prayers.