The month of mourning begins Tuesday, with the nation recalling the brutal assassination of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and most of his family members on the fateful night of August 15, 1975.
To observe the month, a black flag will be kept at half mast at the Bangabandhu Mausoleum in Tungipara, Gopalganj, his birthplace, on Tuesday. Party leaders will wear black badges, and recitations from the holy Quran will continue throughout the month at the venue.
Deputy Commissioner Kazi Mahbubul Alam will inaugurate the month-long programs by placing a wreath at the mausoleum in the morning.
Later, local chairman and Freedom Fighter Munshi Md Atiyar Rahman, Superintendent of Police Al Beli Afifa, leaders and activists of the Awami League and its associate bodies, and different cultural and social organizations will pay tribute to the architect of the nation.
Tungipara Awami League General Secretary Md Babul Sheikh said: "The nation lost its greatest leader this month. Therefore, it is the month of mourning for us."
Among other programs, the AL will organize discussions, rallies, milad mahfil, and distribute food among the poor throughout the month, he said.
Tungipara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Al Mamun said the upazila administration will pay tributes to the Father of the Nation to mark the month of mourning. It will also hold a tree plantation program and distribute saplings among local people.
Md Nurul Islam, assistant curator of the mausoleum, said all workers and officials will wear black badges on Tuesday while a black flag will be hoisted.
Maulana Muhammad Nawab Ali, imam of the mosque situated on the premises of the mausoleum, said that verses will be recited from the holy Quran throughout the month, seeking eternal peace for the souls of those murdered on August 15, 1975.
Besides, special prayers will be offered seeking blessings of the Almighty for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu, and her entire family.
Bangabandhu, the greatest Bangalee of all times, was born in Tungipara on March 17, 1920. Under his leadership, the nation gained its independence in 1971.
Md Ilias Hossain, vice president of upazila AL, said: "The self-confessed killers of August 15 did not assassinate Bangabandhu only, but also killed 16 other members of his family, friends and relatives. Every year, thousands of people come to Tungipara to pay respect to him and his family members. Many shed tears in remembrance of the sacrifices made by Bangabandhu."
