The National Mourning Day and the 48th death anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were observed at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on August 15 with deep mourning, respect and due dignity. Md. Mostafizur Rahman, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India hoisted the national flag at half mast in the embassy premises in the morning and started the day-long program by placing wreaths on the portrait of the Father of the Nation.

A discussion program was organized, also in the morning, to mark the day. At the beginning, a minute’s silence was observed to pay respect to the martyred members of Bangabandhu and his family. Speeches given by the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs were read out on the occasion. Brigadier General Md. Abul Kalam Azad, ndc, afwc, psc, G+ Defence Adviser of the Mission also spoke on the occasion. A documentary on Bangabandhu was screened and an open discussion was held on the life and work of the Father of the Nation.

In his speech, High Commissioner Rahman respectfully recalled Bangabandhu’s farsighted leadership and all struggles that took place on the way to the establishment of independent-sovereign Bangladesh. He said, “Bangabandhu became the ‘poet of politics’ by combining the qualities of character with the political acumen.” He also said that Bangabandhu unearthed nationalism among a thousand-year-old ethnic group and united them and transformed an exploited nation into an independent nation through a long struggle.” Following the great ideals of the Father of the Nation, the High Commissioner asked everyone to continue their efforts to build the ‘Golden Bangla’ of Bangabandhu’s hunger and poverty-free dream under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.