15 August 2023, Port Louis:

The Bangladesh High Commission, Port Louis observed the National Mourning Day and the 48th Martyrdom Anniversary of the greatest Bangalee of thousands years, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with his family members with due fervour and solemn respect.

The day’s program was started by hoisting of the national flag at half mast by the Bangladesh High Commissioner Ms. Rezina Ahmed. In the afternoon, the discussion meeting was started by paying floral tribute at the portrait of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman followed by a minute of silence. Special prayer was offered seeking the eternal salvation of Bangabandhu and his family members, who were martyred on the night of 15 August 1971. Messages of the Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Foreign Minister and Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out. The documentary ‘Dark Night of the Bangalis’ was screened.

At the outset, the High Commissioner, Ms. Ahmed paid sincere tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members, who were brutally assassinated on the ‘black night’ of 15 August 1975.  She stated that Bangabandhu established the glory of Bangali identity in the global arena by rejuvenating the people for establishing an independent and sovereign state under his strong leadership. His diligent daughter, Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh is tirelessly working to fulfill the dream of Bangabandhu.  The Father of the Nation is not with us today, but we have embraced his dream and we are committed to make it a reality. She urged to the expatriate community to join in this journey.  

On this occasion, eminent Mauritian painter Ms. Nasreen Banu Ahseek gifted a painting titled ‘Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Street in Port Louis’ to the High Commission. Earlier, on the observance of the 48th Martyrdom Anniversary of Bangabandhu, the High Commission took an initiative to distributing Bangladeshi food items among 35 (thirty-five) underprivileged families at the Mauritius Muslim Infirmary on 14 August 2023. Members of Bangladesh Community and journalists of print and electronic media were also present.