Nationwide observance of National Mourning Day today

The nation is set to observe the National Mourning Day today.

The government and numerous political, socio-economic and cultural organisations have chalked out programmes to mark the 43rd death anniversary of Bangabandhu .

On this day in 1975, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was brutally assassinated by a group of conspiring army officers.

Bangabandhu's wife, sons, and daughters-in-law were also killed in the massacre, one of the most heinous in world history.

Sixteen others, all close to Sheikh Mujib, were shot dead at his Dhanmondi residence.

Bangabandhu's daughters Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, survived as they were abroad at the time.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate massages marking the occasion.

In his message, the president urged all to follow the path shown by the Father of the Nation and devote themselves to turn the country into “Golden Bangla”.

In her message, PM Sheikh Hasina pledged to ensure a non-communal, illiteracy-free, prosperous country, and build the “Golden Bangladesh” as dreamt by the Father of the Nation, upholding his philosophy.

The government has planned elaborate programmes to observe the day with due respect and solemnity. The national flag will fly half-mast at offices of all government, semi-government and autonomous bodies and educational institutions today.

The president and prime minister will both place wreaths at the portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Museum in Dhaka at 6:30am.

Later in the day, Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths and offer prayers at the Banani Graveyard for her family members and others, who embraced martyrdom on the day.

The PM will also place wreaths at the mazar of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara in Gopalganj, later in the day.

Prayers will be offered and the armed forces will again stage a guard of honour there. A special milad mahfil and dua will be held there on the day.

Bangladesh missions abroad will arrange discussions and hoist the national flag half-mast at their respective offices.

Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private TV channels and radio stations will air special programmes marking the day, while national and regional newspapers will bring out special supplements.