Chennai, 18 August 2023: 

Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, Chennai has observed the 48^th Anniversary of Martyrdom of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Mourning Day with due respect, solemnity and fervor. On this day, the national flag was hoisted at half-mast atop at the Chancery premises. The Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Shelley Salehin laid floral wreathe on the portrait of the Father of the Nation in presence of Mission officials.

The Programme of the day included a discussion on the importance and impact of the “National Mourning Day” in our national life. The program started with observance of one minute silence to pay homage to the Father of the Nation and his martyred family members. This was followed by reading out of the speeches issued by the Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Foreign Minister and Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs on the eve of the 48^th Anniversary of Martyrdom of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Later, a video documentary on the work and life of Bangabandhu was screened.

Mr. Salehin in his speech paid deep tribute to the Father of the Nation for his immense contribution and supreme sacrifice for the emancipation of Bengali nation. He termed Bangabandhu as the forerunner of the struggle for establishing the rights of the oppressed of the world.

A special prayer was also conducted at ‘Anjuman-E-Himayath-E-Islam’ – a local mosque for the salvation of the departed souls of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his martyred family members.   

On 18 August, Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Chennai and Dr. MGR Janaki College of Arts & Science for Women jointly organized an Art Competition titled ‘Bangabandhu and Bangladesh’ followed by a discussion session. The program started with observance of one minute silence to pay homage to the Father of the Nation and his martyred family members. The principal of the college Dr. R. Manimegalai in her speech paid rich tribute to the memory of all the martyrs of 15 August while outlining the contribution of Bangabandhu towards the oppressed and distressed people of the world specially to the people of Bangladesh. Later, a video documentary on the work and life of Bangabandhu was screened. Mr. Salehin in his remarks highlighted the indomitable leadership and personal sacrifice of Bangabandhu for the Independence of Bangladesh. He also elaborated Bangladesh’s present success in various socio-economic sectors under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to realize Bangabandhu’s dream of “Sonar Bangla (Golden Bengal)”.

The program ended with distribution of prizes among the participants and winners of the Art Competition followed by refreshment."