National Mourning Day today

The nation is set to observe the National Mourning Day and 47th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today with due respect and solemnity.

Bangabandhu and most of his family members were brutally killed by some disgruntled army men on the fateful night of August 15, 1975 and this carnage is touted as the ugliest chapter of the nation's history.

Father of the Nation's two daughters Sheikh Hasina, now Prime Minister, and Sheikh Rehana escaped the planned assassination as they were staying abroad.

The government has drawn up elaborate programmes in observance of the day at national level.

The national flag will be hoisted half-mast in all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational institutions and private buildings including Bangladesh missions abroad, said a handout earlier.

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will pay homage to Bangabandhu, the architect of the independent Bangladesh, by placing wreaths at his portrait at 6.30 am in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road No-32 in the capital.

A guard of honor will be given by the armed forces and prayers will be offered there.

The Prime Minister will also place wreaths at the Banani Graveyard on the graves of the family members of Bangabandhu and other martyrs who were brutally killed on August 15, 1975.

She will also offer Fateha and munajat seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs.

Special doa and munajat will be offered at mosques across the country including Baitul Mukarram National Mosque after Zuhr prayers. Special prayers will also be offered at temples, churches, pagodas and other places of prayers across the country.

Special supplement will be published in national dailies and periodicals highlighting the importance of the day.