Nation pays homage to Bangabandhu
People across the country yesterday paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of his 46th martyrdom anniversary and National Mourning Day.
In a somber mood and a befitting manner, the country observed National Mourning Day, the darkest chapter in the history of independent Bangladesh.
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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road-32.
Besides, distinguished personalities including Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain and several judges of the Supreme Court, ministers, state ministers, MPs and Awami League leaders placed floral wreaths at Bangabandhu's portrait.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman -- the architect of the country's independence -- was assassinated along with most of his family members at the dawn of August 15, 1975 by a cabal of army personnel following a deep-rooted conspiracy against the country and its independence.
His two daughters -- Sheikh Hasina, now the prime minister, and Sheikh Rehana -- survived the massacre as they were abroad at that time.
Eighteen members of the family along with Bangabandhu's wife Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, three sons -- Captain Sheikh Kamal, Lt Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell, two daughters-in-law -- Sultana Kamal and Rosy Jamal, brother Sheikh Naser, peasant leader Abdur Rob Serniabat, youth leader Sheikh Fazlul Haq Moni and his wife Arzu Moni, Baby Serniabat, Sukanta Babu, Arif and Abdul Nayeem Khan Rintu were killed on the fateful night.
Bangabandhu's military secretary Col Jamil Uddin Ahmad (Bir Uttam), who was later promoted posthumously to the rank of brigadier general, was also killed during the massacre.
Some members of a family at Mohammadpur in the capital were killed by artillery shells fired by the killers the same day.
The day is a public holiday.
Meanwhile, tributes were also paid to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his mausoleum at Tungipara in Gopalganj.
The government, different socio-cultural, political and professional organisations, including AL and its associate bodies, observed the day with various programmes, maintaining health protocols.
Special prayers were offered at all mosques across the country as well as in temples, pagodas, churches and other places of worship.
Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private TV channels and radio stations aired special programmes highlighting the life, struggle and achievements of the great leader while newspapers published supplements on the occasion.
The national flag was hoisted half-mast at government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, educational institutions, private buildings and Bangladesh missions abroad, marking the day.
'FORM INQUIRY COMMISSION'
AL general secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday stressed on forming a separate inquiry commission to expose behind the scene masterminds of August 15 carnage.
Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said this while talking to reporters after placing a wreath in front of the portrait of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi Road-32.
"The mastermind killers of Bangabandhu were executed through trial. But beyond them, those who were conspirators, must be found and brought to justice by forming a commission," Quader added.
'COMMISSION WILL BE NEUTRAL'
Law Minister Anisul Huq yesterday said the commission, which will be constituted to find out the conspirators behind the assassination of Bangabandhu and his family members, will be neutral.
The evidence and identities of the perpetrators including Ziaur Rahman, who were involved in the killing of Bangabandhu, will be published through a commission, he said while inaugurating "Bangabandhu Gallery" at Registration Complex at Tejgaon.
'REWARD FOR INFO ON FUGITIVE KILLERS'
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen yesterday said the government will reward those who can provide accurate information about the location of the three traceless fugitive convicted killers of Bangabandhu.
"I urge all expatriate Bangladeshis to share with us if you have any information about them… if your information is correct, of course we will reward you," he said.
He made the remark after placing a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu at the Bangabandhu Corner of the foreign ministry.
State minister for foreign affairs Md Shahriar Alam and foreign secretary Masud bin Momen accompanied him.
The government so far traced two convicted fugitive killers -- Rashed Chowdhury and Noor Chowdhury -- residing in the USA and Canada respectively.
Whereabouts of the other three fugitives -- Khandaker Abdur Rashid, Shariful Haque Dalim, and Moslehuddin Khan -- are yet to be ascertained.
After tracing locations of the two, the foreign and law ministries have been deeply engaged with the US and the Canadian authorities to bring them back.
"We don't know where the other three (convicted killers) are… we understand they have been moving from one country to another with different passports," Momen said.
PRAYERS AT BANGABHABAN
Marking the day, special prayers were held at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban yesterday.
President Abdul Hamid participated in it after Asr prayers.
Members of the president's family, secretaries to the president, military and civilian officials of Bangabhaban and other employees took part in the programme.
MISSIONS ABROAD
High commissions and Bangladesh embassies in different countries including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Italy, Malaysia, Kuwait and Jordan yesterday paid homage to Bangabandhu marking National Mourning Day.
High commissioners, ambassadors of foreign missions in Dhaka including India, UK, Australia and chiefs of different international organisations also paid their tributes to Bangabandhu.
Separately, they placed floral wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.
Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami, after placing wreaths, tweeted, "Respectful homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his martyrdom."
UK High Commissioner Robert Chatterton Dickson tweeted that on this day, he reflects on the extraordinary life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his contribution to Bangladesh and the world.
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