Homage to Bangabandhu

Thousands of Bangladeshis across the world observed National Mourning Day yesterday with due solemnity, marking the 43rd martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Bangladesh missions abroad organised Mourning Day programmes participated by members of the Bangladesh community, students, expatriates and people from host countries.

The day began with hoisting the national flag at half mast. Other programmes included: observing one minute's silence; placing wreaths at Bangabandhu's portrait; reading out messages from the president, prime minister, foreign minister and state minister for foreign affairs; milad mahfils; special prayers for Bangabandhu and his family members; panel discussions and screening of a documentary on Bangabandhu.

NEW DELHI

Marking the anniversary of his martyrdom, Bangladesh High Commission paid glowing tributes to Bangabandhu.

The mission also paid homage to his family members who were killed on the fateful night of August 15, 1975.

Officials, staff and family members joined High Commissioner Syed Muazzem Ali in placing floral tributes before the portrait of Bangabandhu at the mission's Maitree Hall.

The high commissioner earlier hoisted the national flag at half mast, followed by a minute's silence.

A panel discussion on “Bangabandhu's Vision for Peace, Stability and Development in the South Asian Region and Beyond” was also held.

Moderated by Deputy High Commissioner Rokeb-ul-Haque, the discussion was attended by panellists -- Prof SD Muni of Jawaharlal Nehru University; Venkat Narayan, president of Foreign Correspondents Club of South Asia; and Dr Kavita Sharma, president of South Asian University.

BANGKOK

A special programme was held on the embassy premises in Bangkok, participated by a large number of expatriates -- from UNESCAP and other international organisations, businessmen, students as well as locals, especially schoolchildren.

In her statement, Bangladesh Ambassador in Thailand Saida Muna Tasneem condemned the killing of Bangabandhu and termed it one of the most shameful and inhumane incidents in world history.

She paid a rich tribute to the Father of the Nation for his fearless leadership, as well as his diplomatic achievements between 1972-75 towards Bangladesh's international recognition and membership in the UN.

MANILA

At a discussion at Bangladesh embassy in Manila, Ambassador Asad Alam Siam said the nation will be forever grateful to Bangabandhu for his bold leadership in achieving the country's independence.

He also called on all to materialise Bangabandhu's dream of “Sonar Bangla”.

HANOI

The Mourning Day programmes began with hoisting the national flag at half-mast by Ambassador Samina Naz. A wreath was also placed at the portrait of Bangabandhu.

Apart from embassy officials and employees, expatriates and locals attended the event.

JAKARTA

Bangladesh embassy in Indonesia arranged various programmes to observe the day.

A discussion was held on the book “Karagarer Rojnamcha: A Jail Diary with a Difference” at the embassy. Presided over by Ambassador Maj Gen Azmal Kabir, Assistant Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Asif Kabir spoke at the event.

SEOUL

Bangladesh embassy in Seoul observed the day with due solemnity. The embassy arranged a daylong programme to mark the occasion.

The day started with hoisting the national flag at half mast by Ambassador Abida Islam. Drawing and essay writing competitions were organised at the embassy, participated by children of different ages.

Later, a discussion was held and a documentary on the life and works of Bangabandhu was screened.

The day concluded with a poetry recital in memory of the Father of the Nation.

MUMBAI

The day began with hoisting the national flag by Deputy High Commissioner Md Lutfar Rahman.

A documentary on Bangabandhu's life and works styled “Those Golden Days” was also screened at the mission.

Besides, Bangladesh communities in the US, England, Middle East and other parts of the world observed the day with due solemnity.

Among others, special programmes were also held in permanent missions in New York, London, Ottawa, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Greece, Germany, France and Saudi Arabia.