On this day in 1975, the nation’s founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members were assassinated by a cabal of military men.
Eighteen members of his family, including Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, three sons – Captain Sheikh Kamal, Lieutenant Sheikh Jamal and 10-year-old Sheikh Russel, two daughters-in-law Sultana Kamal and Rosy Jamal, brother Sheikh Naser, peasant leader Abdur Rab Serniabat, youth leader Sheikh Fazlul Haq Moni and his wife Arzu Moni, Baby Serniabat, Sukanta Babu, Arif and Abdul Nayeem Khan Rintu were, among others, killed along with Bangabandhu on that fateful night. Bangabandhu's Military Secretary Brigadier General Jamil was also murdered.
Several members of a family in the capital's Mohammadpur area were killed by artillery shells fired by the killers on the same day.
Bangabandhu’s two daughters – Sheikh Hasina, now the prime minister, and Sheikh Rehana – luckily survived the massacre as they were abroad at that time.
The government, different sociocultural, political and professional organisations, including ruling Awami League and its associate bodies, observed the day with elaborate programmes.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid homage to the nation’s Independence hero by placing wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the morning.
After placing the wreaths separately, they stood there in solemn silence for some time showing deep respect to the great leader.
A smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces gave state salute at that time, while the bugle played the last post. A munajat was offered seeking the eternal peace of the departed souls of the August 15 carnage.
Later, Sheikh Hasina, also the President of Awami League, flanked by party’s General Secretary Obaidul Quader and senior leaders, placed another wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu on behalf of the Awami League.
After paying tributes to Bangabandhu, the Prime Minister visited the historic residence of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi Road-32 which witnessed the world’s most barbaric carnage on this day 44 years ago.
Sheikh Hasina stayed for some time in the house which now has been turned into Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.
Later, the Prime Minister went to Banani Graveyard where her mother Bangamata Fazilatunnesa Mujib, Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell and other martyrs of August 15 were laid to eternal rest.
Sheikh Hasina 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.
The Prime Minister also paid tributes to the Father of the Nation at his mazar in Tungipara on the occasion.
She then offered Fateha and munajat seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the Father of the Nation, Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib and other martyrs of August 15, 1975 massacre.
Prayers were also offered seeking continued peace, progress and prosperity of the nation.
Later, flanked by Awami League senior leaders, Sheikh Hasina, also the ruling party’s President, placed another wreath at the mazar of Bangabandhu on behalf of the party.
Speaker Chaudhury and Chief Whip Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury also paid homage to the Father of the Nation by placing wreaths at his mazar separately.
Leaders of different associate bodies of Awami League also placed wreaths.
The Prime Minister, along with cabinet members and party leaders joined a milad and doa mahfil on the mazar premises.
Sheikh Hasina also joined a milad and doa mahfil arranged by Bangladesh Mohila Awami League in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum after Asr prayers.
Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), Dhaka Abahani Limited, National Sports Council, Bangladesh Handball Federation and Bangladesh Table Tennis Federation arranged doa mahfil and discussions separately on the occasion.