Nation to observe ‘National Mourning Day’ on Sunday

The nation is to observe National Mourning Day on Sunday marking the 46th death anniversary of  Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in a befitting manner with due respect.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members were brutally killed by some disgruntled army personnel on the fateful night of August 15, 1975 at his Dhanmondi residence in Dhaka. This carnage is touted as the ugliest chapter in the nation’s history.

Eighteen members of the family including Bangamata Fazilatunnesa Mujib, three sons–valiant Freedom Fighter Captain Sheikh Kamal, valiant Freedom Fighter Lieutenant Sheikh Jamal and 10-year old Sheikh Russel, two daughters-in law Sultana Kamal and Rosy Jamal, brother Sheikh Abu Naser, youth leader valiant Freedom Fighter Sheikh Fazlul Huque Moni and his pregnant wife Arzu Moni, peasant leader valiant Freedom Fighter Abdur Rab Serniabat, daughter Baby Serniabat, son Arif Serniabat, nephew journalist Shaheed Serniabat, grandson Sukanta Babu, and Abdul Nayeem Khan Rintu, among others, were killed by the heinous killers on that fateful night.

Besides, the President’s Military Secretary Brigadier General Jamil, on duty ASI of Special Branch of Police Siddiqur Rahman and army soldier Syed Mahbubul Huque were also murdered.

Several members of a family died in the capital’s Mohammadpur area by artillery shells fired by the killers on the day.

Bangabandhu’s two daughters — Sheikh Hasina, now the prime minister, and Sheikh Rehana — survived the massacre as they were abroad at that time.

The government, political parties, and different socio-political and cultural organisations have taken elaborate programmes to observe the 46th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation and National Mourning Day with due respect and solemnity, maintaining health guidelines.

As part of the programme, the national flag will be hoisted half-mast at the buildings of all government, semi-government, autonomous, educational institutions and private offices on the day, said an official handout.

Wreaths will be placed at the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhaka and a munajat will be offered there at 6:30am on Sunday.