Nation Pays Homage to Bangabandhu

Execution of fugitive killers reiterated

15 August 2011, 18:00 PM

Metro Desk

President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina observe silence after placing wreaths at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi Road 32 in the city marking the National Mourning Day yesterday. Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana later offer munajat beside the grave of their father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara of Gopalganj. They also place wreaths at the graves of other slain family members of August 15, 1975 at Banani in the city. Awami League and other political and socio-cultural organisations as well as people from all walks of life also pay homage to Bangabandhu. Photo: Star, PMO

The government, different political and socio-cultural organisations across the country yesterday observed the National Mourning Day with due solemnity. UNB adds: Amid tributes and tears, the nation yesterday remembered the slain leader Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on the 36th anniversary of his martyrdom. Millions of mourners observed the day demanding execution of the remaining six convicted killers of Bangabandhu, now hiding abroad. The day was a public holiday. The national flag was hoisted at half-mast at the government and non-government offices to honour Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib, the founder of Bangladesh, who was brutally assassinated along with most of his family members on the fateful night of August 15, 1975. Witnesses said that wearing black badges, thousands of leaders, workers and supporters of Awami League (AL) and people from all strata placed wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of his historic residence at Dhanmondi Road no. 32 from morning to dusk. President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu at 6:30am. They stood in solemn silence as a contingent of army the last post on the bugle. Later, the prime minister went inside the historic residence where Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib, Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib and other members of his family were brutally killed by a group of disgruntled army officers. Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana went to the Banani graveyard and placed wreaths at the graves of her mother, brothers and other close relatives killed on August 15. The prime minister flew in a helicopter to her ancestral home at Tungipara in Gopalganj and placed wreaths at the grave of the Father of the Nation. She also offered fateha beside the grave and offered munajat. A special munajat was offered seeking divine blessings and eternal peace of the departed soul of Bangabandhu as well as welfare of the people. Later, a milad mahfil was arranged at the mazar complex. Bangabandhu's younger daughter Sheikh Rehana, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, his nephew Barrister Fazle Noor Taposh MP, AL general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam, ministers, MPs and senior party leaders were present. AL ran gruel kitchens at various places in the capital city and distributed iftar among the destitute, as elsewhere in the country. The recorded historic March 7 speech of Bangabandhu was played on public address system in different parts of the capital. Bangladesh missions abroad also observed the National Mourning Day by hoisting the national flag at half-mast and holding discussions on Bangabandhu's life and works. Our staff correspondent reports: Different political, socio-cultural and educational institutions arranged elaborate programmes, including discussions, art competitions, special prayers, photo exhibitions to mark the day. Prof Pran Gopal Datta, vice chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, at a discussion demanded execution of the death sentences of the six fugitive killers of Bangabandhu. Bangladesh Open University organised various programmes, including discussion, on the campus at Gazipur marking the day. Finance Minister AMA Muhith spoke at the discussion. The Jagannath University authorities held a doa mahfil at its central mosque and kept the national flag at half-mast on the campus. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agriculture University (BSMRAU) also organised several programmes, including rally and placing wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu. Special prayers were also offered at Dhakeshwari National Temple in the city. Jahangirnagar University, Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, Bangladesh Shikshak Samity, Bangladesh Krishi Bank, Tejgaon Mahila College, Bangabandhu Shishu Academy, Bangladesh Awami Olema League, Bangladesh Muktijodha Sangsad, Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote, Sonali Bank Limited, Bangabandhu Gabeshana Parishad also held the similar programmes on the occasion. Meanwhile, Deputy High Commission for Bangladesh in Kolkata also observed the 36th anniversary of martyrdom of Bangabandhu yesterday with due respect.