The Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington D.C. observed National Mourning Day commemorating the 46th anniversary of martyrdom of the Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with due solemnity. The embassy officials paid their rich tributes to the departed souls of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the architect of Bangladesh’s independence and members of his family brutally killed on this day in 1975. 

Mr. Anwar Hossain Manju, MP and Mr. Mohammad Shafiul Alam, Alternate Executive Director of Bangladesh to the World Bank were also present at the event as chief guest and special guest respectively. 

The day’s programs began with the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag at half-mast by Ambassador M Shahidul Islam. The national anthem was played at this time. Then, the Ambassador accompanied by Mr. Anwar Hossain Manju, MP, Mr. Mohammad Shafiul Alam and the officials of the Embassy placed a floral wreath at the bust of the Father of the Nation and observed a moment of silence for paying homage to the Father of the Nation. Later, messages of President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister were readout.

The discussion session began with the welcome remarks by the Ambassador. Referring to the Prime Minister’s message on the occasion, Ambassador Shahidul Islam called for upholding the ideals of Bangabandhu and transform grief into strength through  working relentlessly to build Sonar Bangla- the dream of the Father of the Nation. He highlighted the vision of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to establish Bangladesh as a respected member of the comity of nations and condemned the heinous act of assassination of Bangabandhu with his family members by the gang of anti-liberation forces that jeopardized the progress of the nation.             

In his speech, Mr. Anwar Hossain Manju, MP shared his personal experiences and learnings from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as he  actively participated as a student leader during the Six-Point Movement in 1966. He highlighted the leadership of Bangabandhu in rebuilding the nation from a war ravaged and economically unstable country. Praising the leadership of the Prime Minister, Mr Manju observed that the daughter of Bangabandhu has decisively raised Bangladesh’s standing in the world. He said he was proud to be able to work under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and committed to carrying forward his duties to the nation till the last days.   

Mohammad Shafiul Alam, former Cabinet Secretary shared his thoughts on Bangabandhu and noted with great respect Bangabandhu’s strong leadership in steering the newborn country and forging international relations. He asserted that most of the laws, rules and institution building work of Bangladesh was either completed or initiated by Bangabandhu within his less than four years time at helm of the statecraft. 

A documentary on the life of Bangabandhu and the history of our Liberation War was screened at the end of the programme.  A special prayer was also offered seeking divine blessing for all the martyrs of the August 15 and the heroes of our liberation war.