Sydney, 15 August 2022:

The Consulate General of Bangladesh in Sydney observed the National Mourning Day and the 47th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with utmost respect and due solemnity. The Consulate organized a day-long programme to mark the tragic day in 1975.

The day’s programme began in the early morning with the hoisting of national flag at half-mast. The officials of the Consulate were present during the event wearing black badges. Afterwards, the Consul General along with the Mission officials paid homage to the architect of the independence by placing floral wreaths at the bust of Bangabandhu located in the South Parramatta campus of the Western Sydney University. During the time, Bangladeshi students of the Western Sydney University joined the Consulate to pay tribute to Father of the Nation.  In the evening, the Consulate organized a discussion session at the Consulate premises. The programme includes placing floral wreaths at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, observing silence, reading verses from the Holy Scriptures, reading out of messages from the national leaders, screening a documentary on the life and works of Bangabandhu followed by a discussion on the glorious life and contribution of Bangabandhu.

In his speech, Consul General described the assassination of Bangabandhu and his loved ones as the most heinous and cowardly deed in human history. He said that the killers' subsequent immunity from justice was even more unfortunate. He stated that Bangabandhu revitalised the people to form an independent and sovereign state under his charismatic leadership, thus establishing the glory of Bengali identity in the global arena. Sheikh Hasina, his devoted daughter and the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh, is diligently trying to realise her father's vision. He urged everyone to turn grief into strength and play constructive roles to build a non-communal, hunger-poverty free prosperous ‘Sonar Bangla’- envisioned by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

A special prayer was offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs of August 15 to wrap up the day’s program.

The event was attended by consulate officials, valiant freedom fighters, distinguished community members, cultural personalities and Sydney Awami League leaders.