National Mourning Day and its significance

National Mourning Day is a very important and heartbreaking day in the history of Bangladesh. On August 15, 1975, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members were brutally murdered. This day is observed in memory of the Father of the Nation and his family members.

1. Why is the Mourning Day called the National Mourning Day?
2. From what date is the National Mourning Day observed?
3. Why is the National Mourning Day observed on August 15?
4. How is the National Mourning Day observed?
5. Why is the black badge worn on the National Mourning Day?
6. Our duties on the occasion of the National Mourning Day
7. Significance of the National Mourning Day

National Mourning Day is a very important day in Bangladesh. This day is observed every year on August 15, since on this day in 1975, the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was brutally murdered. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the leader of the independence struggle of Bangladesh and the first President and Prime Minister of the country.

This day is called the National Mourning Day because Bangabandhu's death was a deep sorrow and painful event not only for his family and followers, but also for the entire nation. Bangladesh achieved independence under the leadership and sacrifice of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. His assassination is considered an irreparable loss for the country. Therefore, this day is celebrated as the National Mourning Day to pay tribute to the memory of the Father of the Nation and to show respect for him.

The National Mourning Day was first officially celebrated on August 15, 1996. However, since 1975, individuals and various organizations have been celebrating this day at various times. After the Awami League government came to power in 1996, this day began to be celebrated as the National Mourning Day by the state. Then, for some time from 2001 to 2008, there was an obstacle in observing this day as the National Mourning Day, but since the Awami League came to power again in 2009, this day is being celebrated as the National Mourning Day again.

August 15 is observed as a National Mourning Day because on this day in 1975, the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, along with most of his family members, was brutally murdered. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the main leader of the Bangladesh independence struggle and the architect of independent Bangladesh. Under his leadership, Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistani rule in 1971.

On the night of August 15, 1975, some errant army personnel attacked Bangabandhu's residence on Road No. 32 in Dhanmondi and killed him, his wife Fazilatunnesa Mujib, and their three sons Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal, Sheikh Russell, and other family members. Bangabandhu's two daughters, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, survived the incident as they were abroad.

This horrific murder is marked as a day of deep mourning in the country's history. August 15 is observed as a National Mourning Day every year to mourn the assassination of the Father of the Nation and pay tribute to his memory.

The National Mourning Day is observed to remember and pay tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members. Various programs are taken up to observe this day. Some common ways to observe the National Mourning Day are mentioned below:

1. Keeping the national flag at half-mast: The national flag is kept at half-mast in all institutions, including government and private institutions.
2. Discussion meetings: Discussion meetings are organized on the life and work of Bangabandhu in various organizations, institutions and educational institutions.
3. Milad Mahfil and Special Prayers: Special prayers and Milad Mahfils are organized in various mosques, temples, churches and pagodas.
4. Wreath-laying: Tributes are paid to Bangabandhu's portrait and at his tomb.
5. Cultural programs: Various cultural programs are organized based on Bangabandhu's life, struggle and ideals, such as songs, poetry recitations and plays.
6. Exhibition: Various exhibitions are organized based on the life and works of Bangabandhu, in which his photos, documentaries and videos are displayed.
7. Blood donation programs: Blood donation programs are organized at various places, so that people can participate and dedicate themselves to the service of humanity.
8. Special programs in the media: Special programs are broadcast on the life and works of Bangabandhu on television and radio channels. In addition, special writings and articles are also published in newspapers.
9. Social and service work: Service work such as food distribution, clothing distribution, etc. are done among the poor and needy in many places.

Through the National Mourning Day, the people of the country pay tribute to the memory of Bangabandhu and pledge to keep his ideals alive.

The black badge is worn on the National Mourning Day as a symbol of mourning. The color black is generally used as a symbol of sorrow, grief and sympathy. By wearing the black badge, people express their heartfelt grief and pay tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members.

Through this symbolic act, the people of the country come together to express their grief and sorrow and show respect to the memory of Bangabandhu. This custom of wearing the black badge acts as a symbol of the feeling of grief and solidarity among the people, which conveys a message of unity among the entire nation.

On the occasion of National Mourning Day, our duty is to remember and pay tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members. By observing this day, we can honor their sacrifice and be inspired to follow their ideals. Some of our important duties on National Mourning Day may be:

1. Paying homage: Paying homage by laying flowers at Bangabandhu's portrait and at his tomb.
2. Organizing discussion meetings and seminars: Organizing discussion meetings and seminars on Bangabandhu's life, struggle and his ideals.
3. Wearing a black badge: Wearing a black badge as a symbol of mourning.
4. Special prayers and Milad Mahfil: Organizing special prayers and Milad Mahfil in mosques, temples, churches and pagodas.
5. Blood donation programs: Participating in blood donation programs to help the poor and needy.
6. Social and service work: Distributing food, clothes and other essential items among the poor and helpless.
7. Reading the biography and ideals of Bangabandhu: Knowing about the biography of Bangabandhu and his ideals and learning from it.
8. Mourning rallies: Organizing mourning rallies at different places on the occasion of the Mourning Day.
9. Participation in the media: Watching and listening to special programs broadcast on television, radio and social media about the life and work of Bangabandhu.
10. Keeping the national flag at half-mast: Keeping the national flag at half-mast in government and private institutions.

Through these activities, we can observe the National Mourning Day with due dignity and show our respect for Bangabandhu.

The significance of National Mourning Day is inextricably linked to the history, culture and memorable sorrow of Bangladesh. This day is not just a memory of a massacre, but it is a symbol of a nation's grief, pain and new unity. National Mourning Day has various significances:

1. Remembrance of Bangabandhu: On this day, the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is remembered. He was the architect of Bangladesh's independence, under whose leadership the country achieved independence. The day of his death is a day of deep mourning for the nation.
2. Tribute to the Martyrs: On August 15, 1975, Bangabandhu and many members of his family were brutally killed. Tributes are paid to all of them through the National Mourning Day.
3. National Unity: This day is celebrated as a symbol of national unity. The nation comes together to pay tribute to the ideals and values ​​of Bangabandhu and takes an oath to remain united.
4. Education of the New Generation: Through the National Mourning Day, the new generation can learn about Bangabandhu and the history of Bangladesh. It awakens a sense of nationalism and patriotism in them.
5. Expression of Condolences: This day is a means of expressing condolences for the nation. People wear black badges, keep the flag at half-mast, and participate in various mourning meetings to express their condolences.
6. Re-establishment of Bangabandhu's ideals: On this day, people pledge to build the ideals, policies, and Bangladesh of his dreams of Bangabandhu. It is an opportunity to renew our commitment to building the Golden Bengal of our dreams.
7. Introspection and Inspiration: This day provides an opportunity for introspection for the nation. People can draw inspiration from his leadership qualities and sacrifices and work for the betterment of the country.

National Mourning Day is therefore not just a day, but a symbol of the pain, pride, learning and revival of a nation.