The nation is set to observe National Mourning Day today.
The government and numerous political, socio-economic and cultural organisations have chalked out programmes to mark the 47th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members.
On this day in 1975, Bangabandhu was brutally assassinated by a group of conspiring army officers.
Bangabandhu’s wife, sons, daughters-in-law and other relatives were also killed in the massacre, one of the most heinous in world history.
Bangabandhu’s daughters Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, survived as they were abroad at the time.
Like previous years, along with the government, different political and socio-cultural organisations, educational institutions and professional groups have also planned elaborate programmes to pay utmost respect to Bangabandhu on the day of his martyrdom.
The nation started observing the month of mourning from August 1.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages marking the occasion.
On the day, the national flag will fly half-mast atop offices of all government, semi-government and autonomous bodies and educational institutions.
The president and prime minister will place wreaths at the portrait of the Father of the Nation at Bangabandhu Museum at 6:30am. A contingent of the armed forces will give a guard of honour to the portrait of Bangabandhu. Special prayers will be offered there.
Later in the day, Hasina will place wreaths and offer prayers at the Banani Graveyard for her family members and others, who embraced martyrdom.
Following the president, PM and other dignitaries, people from all walks of life will throng the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhanmondi to pay their homage.
In line with the national programme, different ministries, departments, directorates and agencies will organise events at their respective institutions. Similarly, all city corporations, district councils, municipalities and union councils will observe the day with due respect and solemnity.
The district and upazila administrations as well as information ministry have organised different events.
Bangladesh missions abroad will arrange discussions and hoist the national flag at half-mast at their respective offices.
Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private TV channels and radio stations will air special programmes marking the day, while national and regional newspapers will bring out special supplements.
In observance of the day, Awami League has chalked out elaborate programmes.
The national and party flags will fly half-mast atop all AL offices and Bangabandhu Bhaban.
Party leaders will place wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Museum at 6:00am.
Later, party leaders will place wreaths and offer fateha at the Banani graveyard. An AL delegation will also join the programmes in Tungipara. The ruling party leaders will distribute foods among the destitute in the afternoon.
Special prayers will be offered at all mosques across the country and other places of worships.
Tomorrow, a discussion will be held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at 4:30pm with AL President Sheikh Hasina in the chair.
– Input from BSS via The Daily Star was used in this article