While the social media platform is still officially restricted in Bangladesh, Facebook is seeing a “red tide” as an overwhelming number of students and people from all walks of life in the country are changing their profile pictures with red images. The government had earlier announced that mourning day would be observed nationwide on Tuesday (July 30, 2024) to honour those who died during the violence surrounding the student protests for quota reform. The decision came at a cabinet meeting on Monday. In accordance, government officials and many others wore black badges. However, this decision was met with opposition from protesting students, who rejected the gesture as “dismissive of their struggle.” After the announcement of mourning day, Mahin Sarker, a coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Students’ Movement, published a video statement. “Without addressing the mass killings and oppression committed by the state, they are mocking students every day. In protest of this, to achieve the students’ demands, we request a nationwide campaign on Tuesday where participants will cover their faces and eyes with red cloth and take photos, which will be widely circulated online. Our symbol is red, as the symbol of rebellion. We urge students and our countrymen to take part in this campaign,” he said. Abdul Hannan Masud, another coordinator, added, “We consider the government’s decision to observe mourning day a mockery. Students boycotted their black badge program.” In solidarity, people from various walks of life—students, teachers, doctors, journalists—flooded social media with red profile pictures, using hashtags such as #RedforJustice, #RedforVictims, #StudentsInRed, #RedAgainstOppression, #BloodOnTheirHands, and #JulyMassacre. Read more: Govt will ensure ‘extremist’ Jamaat-Shibir cannot exploit legal loopholes to engage in politics: Quader A student from the University of Dhaka wrote, “Red is my love, blood, resistance, and revolution. A protest against mass killing and mass arrest.” Jesmin Papri, a journalist, wrote, “Having seen so much blood of kids, this red is nothing.” Yashab Osama Rahman, another journalist, wrote, “For the kids, for the future, for the present and for all the things we were put through in the past. For us.” People updated their profile pictures with captions such as: “Red is the colour of blood,” “Red is the colour of rebellion,” “Not the black of grief, but the red of betrayal,” and “Come next Spring, we will be twice as many.” Read more: PM Hasina visits vandalised Metro Rail station at Mirpur-10

The nation is observing a Day of Mourning today (October 21, 2023) for the Palestinians killed in recent Israeli attacks.All government, semi-government, autonomous and private institutions and Bangladesh missions abroad are keeping the national flag at half-mast in observance of the mourning day.Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the announcement on Thursday while addressing a programme arranged in Sarak Bhaban in Dhaka’s Tejgaon. Resolving Palestine crisis depends on ‘united efforts’ by Muslim Ummah: PM More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed in the war — mostly civilians slain during the Hamas incursion while more than 4,100 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry run by Hamas, according to AP reports. Stop Israel-Palestine war, save women and children: PM Hasina urges world leaders

Bangladesh High Commission in Sri Lanka on Monday observed the 47th Martyrdom anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Mourning Day with due solemnity. High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam commenced the day-long observance by the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag at half-mast and by placing a floral wreath at the portrait of the Father of the Nation. A special prayer was offered for the Father of the Nation and his martyred family members and the continuous peace and prosperity of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The messages of high dignitaries of Bangladesh given on this occasion were read out. In the evening, a meeting of remembrance was held at the High Commission with the participation of some dignitaries from Sri Lanka, community members of Bangladesh and staff members of the High Commission. Read: President observed National Mourning Day It started with one-minute silence as a mark of respect to all the martyrs of 15th August of 1975. Then a documentary titled “Bangabandhu – Forever in our hearts” was screened.  In the open discussion, the speakers highlighted the philosophy, ideals, and different aspects of the eventful life of Bangabandhu. The speakers included the Country Director of World Food Programme (WFP) Abdur Rahim Siddique, former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Crisanthe De Silva, and Director General of SACEP Dr Masumur Rhman.

People across the country are observing the National Mourning Day, the darkest chapter in the history of independent Bangladesh on Monday in a befitting manner. 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 Bangabandhu’s 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 on that fateful night. Bangabandhu's Military Secretary Brigadier General Jamil was also killed. Several members of a family in the capital's Mohammadpur area were killed by artillery shells fired by the killers on the same day. His two daughters – Sheikh Hasina, now the Prime Minister, and Sheikh Rehana – luckily survived the massacre as they were abroad at that time. The government, various socio-cultural, political and professional organisations, including ruling Awami League and its associate bodies, chalked out programmes to observe the day. 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 Road No. 32 in the capital in the morning. Also read: BARVIDA pays tribute to Bangabandhu 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, while bugle played the tune of grief and somber to the last post. A munajat was also offered seeking the eternal peace of the departed souls of the August 15 carnage. From Dhanmondi, the prime minister went to Banani Graveyard where her mother Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, brothers Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell, and other martyrs of August 15 were laid to eternal rest. The prime minister placed wreaths and spread petals on their graves. She also offered Fateha and doa seeking the eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs of August 15. She will pay homage to the Father of the Nation by placing a wreath at mazar of Bangabandhu at Tungipara in Gopalganj at 10 am. Apart from Honor Guard by the Armed Forces, fateha will be recited and munajat will be offered at Bangabandhu Mausoleum complex. Special doa and munajat will be held in mosques across the country after Zohr prayers marking the occasion. Marking this day, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages. In his message, President Abdul Hamid, said,“Bangabandhu was uncompromising in establishing fundamental human rights and independence. He, even on the gallows, upheld the interest of Bangla and Bangalees. Ignoring the blood-curdling eyes of the then Pakistani rulers, Bangabandhu delivered a historic speech on 07 March in 1971 before a mammoth gathering at the then Race Course Maidan.” “ Bangabandhu has made an outstanding contribution in establishing world peace along with equality, friendship and democracy throughout his life. He was a symbol of independence and ambassador of freedom for oppressed and exploited people in the world. “  The assassins killed the Father of the Nation but could not erase his principles and ideals, he said adding  Bangabandhu will remain an eternal source of inspiration not only for millions of Bangalees in this country, but also for freedom-seeking people of the world. In a message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said, “Under the visionary and strong leadership of the Father of the Nation, the Bangalee Nation broke the shackles of subjugation and snatched away our great Independence. The anti-liberation clique killed Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib at a time when he was engaged in the struggle of building a Golden Bangladesh by reconstructing the war-ravaged country.” Through the murder of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib, the defeated forces of the Liberation War made ill-attempts to ruin the tradition, culture and advancement of the Bangalee Nation, she said adding the aim of the killers was to break the state structure of a secular democratic Bangladesh and foil our hard-earned Independence. “The anti-liberation forces involved in the carnage initiated the politics of killing, coup and conspiracy in the country right after the 15 August 1975. “ “Let's turn our grief of losing Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib into our strength. Let’s build a non-communal, hunger-poverty-free prosperous Golden Bangladesh as dreamt by the Father of the Nation through reflecting the glory and ideals of his long struggling life in our actions; this should be our firm pledge on this National Mourning Day,” she said.  

Prime Minister’s International Affairs Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi has said there had been at least seven plots and a long conspiracy behind the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family on 15 August 1975. “By killing him (Bangabandhu), the conspirators had aimed to take back Bangladesh to its pre-independence state. There’s sufficient evidence of these plots. Those will be released in due course,” he said. Dr Rizvi made the remarks while addressing a commemorative event marking the 46th martyrdom anniversary of Bangabandhu and the National Mourning Day as the chief guest. Also read: ‘Want Bangabandhu's killers to be deported to Bangladesh’: FM

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Sunday observed the National Mourning Day-2021 and the 46th martyrdom anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in a solemn manner.  The first part of the programme began in the morning on the premises of Sparrow Apparels where the leaders of BGMEA led by President Faruque Hassan placed wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu.  They also planted trees on the factory premises.  Also read: Bangabandhu’s life, sacrifice being showcased in NYC's Times Square BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali, Directors Asif Ashraf, Tanvir Ahmed, Abdullah Hil Rakib, Haroon Ar Rashid, Rajiv Chowdhury, Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan, Md. Imranur Rahman, former Member of Parliament and Vice Chairman of Sparrow Group Chayan Islam, Managing Director of Sparrow Group Shovon Islam, and Director of Giant Group Sharmeen Hassan Tithi were also present on the occasion. Later food was distributed among the orphans at Shahabuddin Hafizia Madrasa and Orphanage in Gazipur.  They also took part in prayers seeking forgiveness and peace for Bangabandhu and his family members who were brutally murdered in the dark night of 15 August in 1975.  They also attended and spoke in a discussion organized to mark the day.   Faruque Hassan said the killers of Bangabandhu could not kill his dreams and ideals.  Also read: ‘Want Bangabandhu's killers to be deported to Bangladesh’: FM The “Sonar Bangla” as dreamt by Bangabandhu is now becoming a reality under the prudent and visionary leadership of his daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said the BGMEA chief. “Bangladesh is now a role model in the world in terms of exports, investment, poverty reduction, per capita income and GDP growth. In its journey towards development Bangladesh reached a significant milestone by qualifying to graduate into a developing nation from a Least Developed Country (LDC),” he said. The RMG sector has played a major role in Bangladesh’s economic transformation, export growth and women empowerment to uplift the entire nation, he added. BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said the RMG industry would continue to make contribution in building “Sonar Bangla” as dreamt by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. At the end of the program BGMEA leaders handed over clothing to the persons in charge of managing Kazibari graveyard in the area for burying unidentified bodies.

The life sketch of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is now being screened at Times Square of New York.It will continue until August 16.Bangabandhu’s digital portrait will also be screened for 720 times at the square, a major commercial intersection, tourist destination and entertainment centre in the neighbourhood of the Midtown Manhattan section of New York City.  Also read: ‘Want Bangabandhu's killers to be deported to Bangladesh’: FM Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen thanked Bangladeshi expatriate Fahim Feroj who has taken the initiative. Through his NY Dreams Production, a New York-based organisation, Fahim has taken the initiative to showcase Bangabandhu, his great political work and sacrifice in the international platform, marking the National Mourning Day. Also read: Inspired to protect the values Bangabandhu stood for: India EXIM Bank and Bangladesh Finance came forward to help him implement it.Dr Momen said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to visit New York next month to attend the UNGA and it is a good initiative ahead of her visit.He said the government is trying to brand Bangladesh positively as it is now a land of opportunity with its vibrant economy.

Police are on high alert to ensure the foolproof security ahead of the National Mourning Day, said DMP Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam on Saturday. “Though there’s no security threat ahead of August 15, but we can’t rule out any possibility,” said the DMP chief while talking to reporters after checking the overall security at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32. READ: Probe into Navy official assault case to be conducted neutrally: DMP Chief    “August 15 is an important day and the militants may try to carry out subversive activities in the two-km area of the programme venue if they fail to carry out an attack on the location in a bid to draw attention of the international media. But we think no such incident will happen,” he said.     “Now the cyber technology has captivated the world and militants are recruiting and encouraging people to use it. Recently, the Taliban has urged people to join the war in Afghanistan and some people, responding to their call, have left home. We just want to say the militants are active,” said Shafiqul. On Thursday, a team of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), arrested an alleged leader of a militant group who used to train people for making bombs, he said, adding “We’ve succeeded in arresting the gang.” People across the country will observe the National Mourning Day, the darkest chapter in the history of independent Bangladesh, on Saturday. READ: DMP chief orders setting up temporary check posts in city  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. The government, various socio-cultural, political and professional organisations, including ruling Awami League and its associate bodies, chalked out programmes to observe the day.

The government has announced one- day national mourning on Wednesday (September 2) in honour of former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. The national flag will be flown half-mast on the day, said a handout of Press Information Department(PID).

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) observed the National Mourning Day and 45th death anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family, with a handful of programmes on Saturday.