The nation paid glowing tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his 38th death anniversary on Thursday. Mujib, along with all but two of his family members, was killed by a disgruntled section of army officers at his Dhanmondi residence here on August 15, 1975. Since then, the day is being observed as National Mourning Day. As day broke, people wearing black badges made a beeline for Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi. Mourners also flocked to Mujib’s grave at his ancestral home at Tungipara to pay homage. They also recalled Bangabandhu’s struggle to achieve political and economic freedom for Bengalees.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received President Abdul Hamid as he arrived at 32 Dhanmondi Road at 6.30 am. As part of the state programme, the President and the Prime Minister placed garlands on the portrait of Bangabandhu. The two then stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of respect.
In his message to the nation, the President said: “The Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had dreamt of a golden Bangla throughout his life. Now it’s our utmost responsibility to make that dream come true by building a happy and prosperous country.”
He added: “The trial in Bangabandhu’s assassination case was held on Bangladesh’s soil after 35 years. Today, the nation is somewhat free from stigma. Now, we should take the initiative to bring the condemned fugitives back to the country to carry out the court verdict.”
The Prime Minister said: “The killers have killed Bangabandhu but they couldn’t kill his dream and ideals. Millions of people of this country have been nurturing his ideals and sacrifice in their hearts.”
A smartly turned out contingent of the Bangladesh armed forces gave a state salute and bugles played the Last Post. Later, munajat was offered, seeking eternal peace for Bangabandhu and the other martyrs of August 15.
The President’s wife, Rashida Khanam, the PM’s daughter, Saima Hossain Putul, and her husband, Khandakar Mashrur Hossain, were present on the occasion.
Later, Sheikh Hasina visited the Banani graveyard in the city and paid homage to her mother, Bangamata Fazilatunnesa Mujib, her brothers Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell and other martyrs of August 15.
The President and the Prime Minister flew to Tungipara by Air Force helicopters and placed wreaths at Mujib’s grave. Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury also placed a wreath at Bangabandhu’s mazar. The Chiefs of the three services also gave salute to the Father of the Nation.
After placing the wreath, President Hamid signed the visitor’s book at the mazar.
Sheikh Hasina, along with central Awami League leaders, laid another wreath at the mazar on behalf of the party.
A special prayer was offered seeking eternal peace for the souls of the martyrs. Prayers were also offered seeking continued peace, progress and prosperity in Bangladesh.
The President, PM, Awami League leaders and workers joined a milad mahfil to mark National Mourning Day on the mazar premises. It was organised by the cabinet division and Gopalganj district administration.
Elaborate programmes had been chalked out by the government as well as political parties and other socio-cultural organisations to mark the day.
The national flag was hoisted at half-mast atop all government, semi-government, autonomous offices, educational institutions and Bangladesh missions abroad.
A special prayer meeting of all religions was held at the Jatiya Press Club to commemorate the architect of Bangladesh’s independence. It was organised by journalists. Before the prayers, the gathering observed a one- minute silence. Journalist Shahadat Hossain Tipu recited a poem in memory of Bangabandhu followed by a documentary film on Mujib.
The Awami League, its frontal organisations and several socio-cultural outfits held various programmes to mark the day.
The Islamic Foundation offered special dua at the Banani graveyard on the occasion. Besides, Quran Khwani and dua mahfil, led by Khatib professor Mowlana Muhammad Salauddin, was held at the Baitul Mukarram Mosque, seeking salvation for the martyrs of August 15.
Jute and textiles minister Abdul Latif Siddique led a procession at Kalihati in Tangail on the occasion.
The day was also observed with special prayers, rallies, placing of wreaths on Bangabandhu’s portrait, art competition, etc. in the districts of Sylhet, Barisal, Rangpur, Khulna, Laxmipur, Natore, Pabna, Mongla, Meherpur, Kustia, Comilla, Sirajganj, Jhenaidaha, Kurigram and Thakurgaon.
-With The Independent input
