Sunday is the first day of the Month of Mourning. In this month in 1975, people of Bangladesh lost the greatest son of the soil and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
On the fateful night of August 15 in 1975, some over ambitious disgruntled army officers killed Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and members of his family and close relations in a military putsch.
Those family members of Bangabandhu massacred in the heinous incident included his wife Begum Fazilatunnessa Mujib, sons Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell, daughter-in-laws Sultana Kamal and Rosy Jamal. Besides, Bangabandhu's brother Sheikh Naser, sister-in-law Abdur Rab Serniabat, nephew and noted journalist Sheikh Fazlul Huq Moni, his wife Arzoo Moni and Colonel Jamil were also killed on that day.
However, Bangabandhu's two daughters Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana could escape the mayhem as they were abroad then.
The ruling Awami League, its associate bodies and likeminded organisations have chalked out a month-long programme to observe the Month of Mourning.
In view of the current coronavirus pandemic, the ruling Awami League, however, has decided to observe the month-long programmes commemorating the 46th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Mourning Day on August 15 on a limited scale maintaining health guidelines.
On July 24, AL General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader announced the programmes at a press conference at his official residence in the city.
Generally, elaborate programmes are observed from the central to grassroots levels in August every year marking the month of mourning, he said, adding that this time at the directives of Prime Minister and party President Sheikh Hasina, a decision has been taken to observe the programmes on a limited scale, strictly following the health protocols considering the current coronavirus situation.
As per the programmes drawn up to observe the month of mourning, on August 5, marking the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Shaheed Sheikh Kamal, floral wreaths will be placed at his portrait on the premises of Abahani Club at Dhanmondi at 8:30am. Later, wreaths will be laid at his grave at Banani Graveyard at 9:15am.
To observe the birth anniversary of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, wreaths will be placed at her grave at Banani Graveyard at 9:00am on August 8.
On August 15, marking the martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Mourning Day, homage will be paid to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road No. 32 at 8:30 am.
Homage will also be paid to other August 15 martyrs by laying wreaths at their graves at Banani Graveyard at 9:15am on that day.
An AL delegation will pay tributes to Father of the Nation by placing wreaths at his mausoleum at Tungipara in Gopalganj at 11:00am on the day.
Special doa and prayers will be arranged at all mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worships across the country to observe the National Mourning Day.
Besides, a discussion will be arranged marking the National Mourning Day at 3:30pm on August 16.
On August 17, Dhaka city north and south units of AL will organise a discussion commemorating the countrywide series bomb attacks that took place on the day in 2005.
On August 21, tributes will be paid to the martyrs of the August 21, 2004 gruesome grenade attacks by placing wreaths in front AL central office at 23 Bangabandhu Avenue in the city at 9am. An indoor discussion will be arranged at 3.30pm on that day.
On August 27, marking the death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, homage will be paid to him by placing wreaths at his grave on the premises of Dhaka University Central Mosque at 9am.
Bangabandhu was the pioneer and architect of independent Bangladesh and its sovereignty. His political prudence, indomitable courage, eloquence and powerful leadership motivated the countrymen to join in the war of liberation.
August 15 in 1975 is a black-chapter in the history of Bangladeshi nation. Bangabandhu and his family members were ruthlessly murdered by anti-liberation force and with the help of army member in this day. And the nation incurred an irretrievable loss. The nation is deeply shocked and full with grief for this shameful incident.
BDST: 1230 HRS, AUG 01, 2021
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