Bangladesh High Commission in London observed National Mourning Day

Bangladesh High Commission in London observed 15 August as “National Mourning Day” – the 43rd death anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, with due reverence and solemnity.

In the morning, the programme started with hoisting of the national flag at half-mast.  At 11.00 am a discussion meeting took place focusing on the importance of the day.  The High Commissioner Nazmul Quaunine along with High Commission official and community leaders  paid homage by placing floral wreaths at the portrait of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.  Leaders and activists of UK Awami League, UK Jubo Mohila Awami League, London Awami League, UK Bangabandu Parishad and Muktijodhdha Shangdad also laid floral wreath on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Portrait.

On this day in 1975, the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, along with most of his family members, was brutally killed at his Dhanmondi residence by a group of disgruntled soldiers in one of the bloodiest assassinations ever.

In the meeting the messages from President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh on the National Mourning Day were read out.

The discussion meeting focused on the life and works of the Father of the Nation. One-minute silence was observed as a mark of profound respect to the Father of the Nation and the martyrs of August 15, 1975..

Lord Mohommed Sheikh took part in the meeting as Chief Guest.  President of UK Awami League Sultan Mahmud Sharif took part in the discussion meeting as the moderator.

In his speech the Chief Guest described the heroic leadership role played by Bangabandhu in the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent country. He mentioned that the 15th August is the darkest chapter in the history of Bangladesh.

He also said as a nation we must learn a lesson here – our mourning should be turned into our strength and we should work hard to fulfill the dream of the Father of the Nation.

President of UK Awami League Sultan Mahmud Sharif praised highly of the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman  and mentioned that the independence was only possible because of the sacrificing leadership of him.

In his closings speech the High Commissioner illustrated Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the Best Bengali  of Thousand Years and portrayed him as an epic leader, the founder of independence of Bangladesh and himself as a revolution.  He also mentioned that under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is progressing in rapid pace.

A documentary on the life and works of Bangabandhu was also screened during the event.  Bangladesh High Commission in London also published a memorabilia of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman which were distributed among the guests.