BD missions observe National Mourning Day

August 16, 2018 00:00:00

Bangladesh missions abroad observed on Wednesday the National Mourning Day marking the 43rd anniversary of assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with due solemnity and special programmes, reports UNB.

The programme began with hoisting of the National Flag at half-mast in the morning by ambassadors and high commissioners of respective missions followed by observance of a one-minute silence. Officials at the missions paid glowing tributes to the Father of the Nation.

In observance of the day, the missions also paid homage to Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, their three sons, Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and 10-year-old Sheikh Russell and other family members who were killed by assassins on August 15, 1975 at his residence in Dhanmandi.

Officials, staff and their family members joined mission chiefs in placing flower petals at a portrait of Bangabandhu at the respective missions.

National Mourning Day messages from President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam were read out by officials of the missions.

Special prayers seeking divine blessings for Bangabandhu and other martyrs of August 15 massacre was offered.

A documentary featuring the life and achievements of Bangabandhu was also screened.

Discussion meetings were organised which were attended by officials of the missions and Bangladesh expatriates residing in respective countries, according to messages received in Dhaka from various missions abroad.

They vowed to promote Bangabandhu's message of freedom, nationalism, secularism and peace and urged all Bangladeshis to work together for building a prosperous and enlightened society based on the dreams and ideas of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Speakers praised the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in rapid economic development of Bangladesh and said Bangabandhu would have been proud of what has been achieved under his daughter's leadership.