Leaders of different human rights, environmental and socio-cultural organisations in separate statements yesterday expressed deep respect for the victims and sympathy for their families and other survivors of the atomic bomb attacks in 1945.

They said there is no doubt that the dropping of atom bomb on Hiroshima on August 6 and Nagashaki on August 9, just a month before the end of the Second World War, was the biggest holocaust in human history.

President and General Secretary of Bangladesh Peace Council in a joint statement said the big powers have no intention to stop nuclear proliferation, rather billions of dollars are being spent for its expansion, when hundreds of millions of people in the world are living without shelter, enough food and medicine.

To mark the day, these organisations have also arranged elaborate programmes including discussion meetings, seminars, photography exhibition, dramas and cultural programme to raise the slogan 'Stop Nuclear Weapon Now.'

Kabyamalangali, a recital organisation, will hold a daylong photography exhibition at Sultan Gallery in the city. It will be inaugurated by National Professor Kabir Chowdhury.

Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR), Environment Health Programmes and Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) will jointly organise a discussion meeting on the 'Impact of nuclear weapon on health and environment: Hiroshima to Bangladesh' at the National Press Club at 11:00am.

Before holding the discussion, leaders and activists of three organisations will bring out a procession from Shahbagh at 10:00am which will end at the National Press Club.

Muktijoddha Gono Parishad will also organise a discussion at the auditorium of the National Press Club at 11:00am.

Sampretee Mancha will organise a seminar at the conference room of the National Press Club at 3:00pm, while BCF Hospital Trust will organise a discussion meeting at Bangladesh Cancer Foundation Hospital at 2:00pm.

Drama and cultural programmes will be held at the Liberation War Museum to mark the day.

Mosud Mannan, director general of the foreign affairs ministry, will deliver a special lecture on the Hiroshima Day at RC Majumdar Auditorium of Dhaka University at 5:00pm where VC Prof SMA Faiz will be present as chief guest.