Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (August 30, 2023) said some major powers of the world want to establish a loyal government in Bangladesh because of importance in its geographical location. “Actually, due to the geographical location of Bangladesh, some big countries want that there will be a government here (in Bangladesh)which will just lick their feet,” she said. The premier said this while addressing a discussion on the occasion of National Mourning Day. Read more: PM Hasina’s participation at G20 Summit to add yet another feather to the ‘Golden Chapter’ in Dhaka-Delhi ties: Momen Dhaka City Awami League North and South units organised the discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Center. She alleged that big countries always have their big brotherly attitude. “If they become friends of anyone then there is no need for any enemy,” she said without mentioning any country’s name. In this connection she said that Ukraine has been their friend. “What is the condition of Ukraine today. Women and children there are facing untold miseries. Their country has been demolished for this kind of friendship. That is the reality,” she said. Hasina, also the president of ruling Awami League, came down on these countries for their unnecessary nose poking in the country’s election. “There are some countries which are searching democracy all the time,” she said. In this regard, she said that Awami League always struggled for establishing democracy and voting rights of the people in the country. Read: Some foreign powers are taking interest in Bangladesh's election to hinder progress: PM Hasina “Leaders and activists of this party gave their blood to establish democracy. And now, we have to listen from some countries which are searching for democracy and rights for casting votes,” she said. The PM said that people of the country laid their lives and gave blood to attain independence under the leadership of father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “This sacrifice and blood must not go in vain, we will not allow that,” she said. Talking about BNP’s demand for democracy, sheikh Hasina said she gets surprised when she hears them talking about the democracy. She said BNP was born through killings, coup and conspiracy, established by the illegal power grabber and its journey began through snatching away people's right for voting and the vote rigging. "So the word democracy does not go with them,” she said. She also alleged that BNP has some masters who "are saying that democracy has to be established in Bangladesh". She questioned where were they while Ziaur Rahman ( BNP founder) killed the father of the nation, imposed martial law and grabbed the state power. And when HM Ershad grabbed the power by proclaiming martial law. Read: Foreign powers can be friends but can’t bring election win: Quader “At that time we struggled and fought to establish democracy, but did not saw them,” she said. South and North City Corporation Mayors Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh and Atiqul Islam, addressed the function.Dhaka North City Awami League President AKM Bazlur Rahman presided over the discussion while Dhaka South City AL President Abu Ahammed Monnafi spoke at the discussion while its General Secretary Humayun Kabir conducted it. Dhaka North City AL Vice Presidents, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Sadek Khan,MP, and Abdul Kader Khan, Joint General Secretary Motiur Rahman Moti, Organising Secretaries AKM Mazhar Anam and Md Azizul Haque Rana, Family Affairs Secretary Meherunnesa Mery and Dhaka South City Awami League Vice Presidents, Dr Dilip Kumar Roy, Mizbaur Rahman Bhuiyan Ratan and Sajeda Begum, Joint General Secretary Qazi Morshed Kamal, Organising Secretaries Akhter Hossain and Golam Sarwar Kabir, among others, also spoke at the discussion. At the outset of the meeting, one minute silence was observed to show respect to the martyrs of the August 15, 1975 carnage and August 21,2004 grenade attack. Read more: No concern among US businessmen about upcoming elections: Salman F Rahman

The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC has observed the National Mourning Day, commemorating the 48th martyrdom anniversary of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with due respect and solemnity. The embassy arranged elaborate programs at the Bangabandhu Auditorium to pay deep homage to Bangabandhu, the architect of independence. The day’s programs began with the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag at half-mast in front of the Chancery by Bangladesh Ambassador to the US, Muhammad Imran. Officials and employees of the mission were present on the occasion. FBCCI pays tribute to Father of the Nation on national mourning day Later, the ambassador, accompanied by the officials, placed a wreath at the bust of Father of the Nation and observed a moment of silence for paying homage to Bangabandhu. The messages issued by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam were read out by Minister (Economic) Md Mahedi Hasan, Minister (Commerce) Md Salim Reza, Counsellor & Head of Chancery Mohammad Moniruzzaman and Counsellor Shamima Yeasmin Smrite. A documentary on the life and works of Bangabandhu was screened, which was followed by a discussion session. National Mourning Day observed in Japan Taking part in the discussion, Ambassador Muhammad Imran paid glowing tributes to the Father of the Nation and other martyrs of the August 15 carnage. He narrated Bangabandhu’s dedication and 24-year struggle from the Language Movement to the Liberation War to achieve long-cherished independence of Bangladesh. Ambassador Imran said responding to the call of Bangabandhu, freedom-loving Bangalees took up arms in 1971 and attained independence from Pakistan on December 16 under the leadership of Bangabandhu. Chorki to stream ‘Hasina: A Daughter's Tale’ on National Mourning Day Terming August 15 as the most disgraceful chapter for the nation, the ambassador called upon all to transform grief of losing Bangabandhu into strength and to work unitedly to build a happy and prosperous “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal) as dreamt by the Father of the Nation. Ambassador Imran mentioned that Bangabandhu’s able daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been working relentlessly to complete the Father of the Nation’s unfinished task of establishing Bangladesh as a developed and prosperous nation in the world. He requested all to work from their respective positions to turn Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous “Smart Bangladesh” under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Taking part in the discussion, Minister (Consular) Mohammad Habibur Rahman focused on Bangabandhu’s great dedication and long struggle for the country’s independence. He also highlighted Bangabandhu’s various epoch-making steps to rebuild the war-ravaged nation. Later, the ambassador handed over prizes among the winners of an essay competition organized by the embassy. A significant number of children of different age groups of Bangladeshi diaspora took part in the competition The programs ended with offering a special prayer seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of Bangabandhu and other martyrs of the August 15 massacre as well as all martyrs of Liberation War. First Secretary Md Ataur Rahman conducted the programs. The embassy earlier arranged a doa and special prayer at the Islamic Centre in Washington DC after Juma prayers on August 11 on the occasion of the 48th martyrdom anniversary of the Father of the Nation.

Al-Arafah Islami Bank Limited (AIBL) on Tuesday organized a seminar titled 'Bangabandhu and Bangladesh' marking the 47th Death Anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The event was presided by Managing Director and CEO Farman R. Chowdhury while Director Kh. Mesbah Uddin Ahmed was present, according to a press release. Read: AIBL signs agreement with Padma Diagnostic Chairman of the Bank Alhajj Salim Rahman was present as the chief guest on the occasion. Former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University AAMS Arefin Siddique discussed as key speaker on the occasion. Among others, Deputy Managing Directors and Senior Executives of the Bank participated in  the seminar.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Monday organised a discussion to remember and mourn the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family on August 15, 1975. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen chaired the session discussion at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. Sheikh Kabir Hossain, trustee of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust, spoke as the chief guest. Read: Momen to countries sheltering Bangabandhu’s killers: 'It's very unfair:' State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam spoke at the event as a special guest. Lawmaker Md Abdul Majid Khan and eminent writer Professor Anwara Syed Haque also spoke. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen delivered the welcome remarks.

President Abdul Hamid hosted a milad and doa mahfil at Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban on the ocassion of the National Mourning Day and the 47th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangabhaban Jame Masjid Pesh Imam Maulana Muhammad Saiful Kabir conducted the munajat. A special munajat was offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of Bangabandhu and other family members, who faced martyrdom on the fateful night of August 15 in 1975.  Read: PM Hasina remembers Bangabandhu at Tungipara on National Mourning Day Doa was offered seeking peace and prosperity of Bangladesh and the world as well as Muslim Ummah. He also attended doa mahfil following health guidelines and maintaining social distancing. Secretaries concerned, civil and military officials also attended the milad mahfil and munajat.

The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi observed National Mourning Day Monday to remember and mourn the brutal assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family on August 15, 1975. The unfinished task of building Sonar Bangla, the dream of Bangabandhu, is being accomplished by his daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, High Commissioner Muhammad Imran said at a discussion. "Bangabandhu always dreamt of hunger and poverty-free Bangladesh. It was the main philosophy of our great leader Bangabandhu," he added. Also read: National Mourning Day observed in Japan The official programme of mourning at the mission began when the national flag was lowered to half-staff. Messages from the president, prime minister, foreign minister and state minister for foreign affairs were read out after Imran laid a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu. A minute of silence was observed and a special prayer was offered in memory of the martyrs of August 15. Also read: Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra observes National Mourning Day The special publication "Bangabandhu The Legend Forever" was also unveiled and a documentary on the life of Bangabandhu was screened.

Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo on Monday observed the National Mourning Day and the 47th Anniversary of Martyrdom of the great architect of Bangladesh’s independence, the greatest Bengali of all time and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman paying deep respect and in a solemn manner.  The programme began in the morning at the Embassy premises with hoisting of the national flag at half-mast by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed.  The national anthem was played at this time.  After this, one-minute silence was observed followed by a special dowa and munajat for the salvation of the martyred souls of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his family members and all other martyrs of 15th August in 1975 with the participation of all Embassy officials and expatriate Bangladeshis. Later at the Bangabandhu Auditorium, Ambassador Ahmed followed by other participants paid deepest homage to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by laying a floral wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu.  Messages of the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs issued on the occasion were read out to the audience. Read:Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra observes National Mourning Day Ambassador Shahabuddin paid profound homage to the greatest Bengali of all time and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as he dreamt for freedom of his Bengali people and their independent statehood.  Under the visionary, fearless and strong leadership of the Father of the Nation, the Bengali Nation was united to forge a struggle for independence and fought liberation war to attain an independent country, Bangladesh and a national identity, Bangalee, at the global stage.   Immediate after independence, under his leadership, Bangladesh joined all major international and regional bodies and established bilateral relations with large number of countries including Japan thus firmly establishing Bangladesh’s place in the world stage.  "Bangabandhu is not with us today, but his dream, ideals and directives are still guiding us in the pathway for emancipation of Bangladesh. Under the leadership of his daughter and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh will implement the Vision 2041 to build a poverty free, modern and developed country as dreamt by Bangabandhu as his Sonar Bangla," the Ambassador expressed his resolve. A discussion on the significance of the day was held following a documentary screening on the life and work of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.  In this segment, a significant number of Bangladeshi community members and professionals working in Japan highlighted the significance of the day and vowed to turn the grief of losing Bangabandhu into strength to work unitedly in strengthening the hands of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to further develop the country and fulfil the dream of Bangabandhu to create ‘Sonar Bangla’. 

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has expressed displeasure over the developed countries which have been sheltering self-confessed, convicted killers of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.“You (developed countries) are not allowing them (convicted killers) to face justice because you have the power. It is very unfair,” he said, describing the barriers created by those countries.Without mentioning any specific country, Momen said "they'' always recommend rule of law and good governance but they are sheltering killers. Also read: Nation observing Bangabandhu’s anniversary of martyrdom in a somber mood “We want to have good governance here. We want to establish the rule of law,” said the Foreign Minister.The five killers who remain fugitives are Nur Chowdhury, Rashed Chowdhury, Moslehuddin Khan, Khandaker Abdur Rashid and Shariful Haque Dalim.Nur Chowdhury and Rashed Chowdhury were traced in Canada and the USA respectively.The government has yet to find out the whereabouts of the other three and the government continues its efforts through diplomatic channels, intelligence and Interpol.“We have sought support from Interpol. We also declared a bounty and those will be awarded who can give correct information about the killers,” Momen said while talking to a small group of journalists at his office recently.He said though they are yet to know about three killers, the government knows that two of the five fugitives live in developed countries. Also read: Ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Can Inspire the Young Generation“They are moving freely but they are murderers. They are self-confessed murderer,” Momen said.   The Foreign Minister said the developed countries that talk about the rule of law say they do not harbor murderers.But they have sheltered the murderers and kept them happy and peaceful, Momen said, adding that, "This is very unfair."  

Immigration and Passport Officers Association (IPOA) has distributed food items and educationnmaterials among street children on the 47th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Major General Mohammad Ayub Chowdhury, the chief advisor of the association and Director General of Immigration and Passport Directorate, distributed these materials among the children, said a media release. President of Immigration and Passport Officers Association Md Saidur Rahman, General Secretary Abu Noman Zakir Hossain and other leaders were present. Read: Cultural bodies observing National Mourning Day

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday placed wreaths at the mausoleum of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman paying homage to the great leader to mark the National Mourning Day. The prime minister placed wreaths twice, first as the head of the government and then as the president of governing Awami League party. After laying the wreaths, the prime minister stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of the architect of Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. Read: National Mourning Day: PM Hasina pays homage to Bangabandhu Bangabandhu was gunned down by some disgruntled army men on the dreadful night of August 15, 1975 along with most of his family members. August 15 is observed as National Mourning Day. A smartly turned out contingent drawn from the armed forces presented a gun salute on the occasion, while the bugle played the Last Post in remembrance of Bangabandhu, the greatest Bengali of all time.  The prime minister then offered fateha and munajat seeking eternal peace of departed souls of Bangabandhu, his wife Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, their three sons and other martyrs of Aug 15 massacre. Prayers were also offered seeking continued peace, progress and prosperity of the nation. Flanked by senior Awami League leaders, Hasina placed a wreath at the grave of Bangabandhu on behalf of the party. Leaders of different associate bodies of Bangladesh Awami League also placed wreaths at the grave. Read: Cultural bodies observing National Mourning Day The prime minister along with Cabinet members, party leaders and workers will also join a milad and doa mahfil on the mausoleum premises marking the National Mourning Day. Earlier, Sheikh Hasina arrived in Tungipara, the ancestral home of Bangabandhu, by an Air Force helicopter after placing wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka as part of the national programme on the day. The prime minister also went to the Banani graveyard and sprinkled flower petals on the graves of the martyrs of the Aug 15 carnage and offered fateha and joined a munajat there.