The National Mourning Day and the 47th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was on Monday observed all over the country and Bangladesh missions abroad with due respect and solemnity, reports BSS.
Marking the day, the national flag was hoisted half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous and educational institutions and private buildings including Bangladesh missions abroad.
As part of the state programme, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid homage to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road No. 32 at 6:30 am in the capital.
After placing the wreath, she stood in solemn silence for some time to show profound respect to the great leader.
After paying tributes to Bangabandhu, the prime minister visited the historic residence of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi Road No. 32 which witnessed the world's most barbaric carnage on this day 47 years back.
For a while, she stayed in the house now turned into Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.
Later, flanked by senior Awami League leaders and cabinet members; Sheikh Hasina, also AL President, placed a wreath at Bangabandhu's portrait on behalf of the party.
The Bangabandhu Memorial Museum was kept open for all after the Prime Minister left the place.
From Dhanmondi, Sheikh Hasina went to the Banani Graveyard where her mother Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, brothers Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal, and Sheikh Russell and other martyrs of August 15, 1975 were laid to eternal rest.
She placed wreaths and spread flower petals on their graves.
Sheikh Hasina also offered Fateha and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs of August 15.
Later, Sheikh Hasina went Tungipara in Gopalganj, the ancestral home of Bangabandhu, by an Air Force helicopter to pay tributes to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his mausoleum there.
After placing the wreaths, she stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory Bangabandhu and other martyrs of August 15 carnage.
The premier then offered Fateha and munajat at the grave seeking eternal peace of departed souls of the Father of the Nation, Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib and other martyrs of August 15, 1975 massacre.
Prayers were also offered seeking continued peace, progress and prosperity of the nation.
In Bangladesh missions abroad, national flag was kept at half-mast and discussions and other programme were also arranged.
A delegation of Awami League Central Working Committee, Gopalganj district and Tungipara upazila units of the party paid homage to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his mausoleum at Tungipara in Gopalganj.
Bangabandhu and most of his family members were brutally killed by some disgruntled army men on the fateful day of August 15, 1975 and this carnage is touted as the ugliest chapter of the nation's history.
Father of the Nation's two daughters Sheikh Hasina, now Prime Minister, and Sheikh Rehana escaped the planned assassination as they were staying abroad at that time.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
