President, PM pay tributes to Bangabandhu

Nripen Roy: President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman marking the 42nd anniversary of his martyrdom.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid homage to the architect of the independence by placing wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road No. 32 in the capital on Tuesday morning.

The day is being observed as the National Mourning Day.

As part of the state programme, the President and the Prime Minister laid wreaths separately at the portrait of Bangabandhu.

After placing wreaths, the President and the Prime Minister stood in solemn silence for sometime showing respect to the great leader.

A smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces gave state salute at that time, while bugle played tune of grief and somber to the last post.

Munajat was offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the August 15 carnage.

Following the President and PM, Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha and Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury also paid tributes to the portrait of Bangabandhu. Cabinet members, PM's advisors, law makers and Chiefs of three armed forces were present at that time.

Bangabandhu, his spouse Sheikh Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, his three sons- Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell, and most of the family members of three close relatives of Bangabandhu were killed in cold blood on August 15, 1975 by a group of disgruntled army men.

Two daughters of Bangabandhu Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and his sister Sheikh Rehana could escape the carnage as they were staying abroad at this time.

Sheikh Rehana, youngest daughter of Bangabandhu, Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Chief Justice S K Sinha, cabinet members, Prime Minister's advisors, senior leaders of Awami League and 14-Party and senior government officials were present.

Later, Sheikh Hasina, also the President of Awami League, flanked by party's General Secretary Obaidul Kader and senior leaders placed wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu on behalf of the Awami League.

After paying tributes to Bangabandhu, the Prime Minister along with her sister Sheikh Rehana visited the historic residence of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi Road No. 32 which witnessed the world's most barbaric carnage on this day 42 years ago.

Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana stayed some times in the house which now has been turned into Bangabandhu Memorial Museum. 

Later, the Prime Minister went to Banani Graveyard where her mother Bangamata Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell and other martyrs of August 15 were laid to eternal rest. 

Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana placed floral wreaths and spread flower petals on their graves. 

She also offered Fateha and doa seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs of August 15.

risingbd/Dhaka/August 15, 2017/Nripen/A K Azad