Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League leader who resigned as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister on August 5 amid violent protests over a quota issue and subsequently fled to India, has made a public statement. In her address, she urged Bangladeshis to observe August 15 as ‘National Mourning Day.’
Her appeal, delivered by her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, comes in response to the interim government’s decision not to recognize the day as a public holiday, which many view as a move to diminish the significance of the day. Hasina recalled the violence of August 15, 1975, when her father, President Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was assassinated along with several family members, including her mother and younger brother.
She condemned the recent violence and sabotage in Bangladesh, which has resulted in numerous casualties across various sectors, including students, teachers, police, and journalists. Hasina expressed condolences to the victims and their families and called for a thorough investigation and justice for the perpetrators.
Reflecting on the events of August 5, when the Prime Minister’s residence was attacked, Hasina expressed sorrow over the destruction of the historic Bangabandhu Bhavan, a site dedicated to preserving the memory of the 1975 massacre. Despite the progress Bangladesh has made, she lamented the recent destruction and dishonor to the legacy of the nation’s independence.
She concluded her address by urging citizens to honor August 15 as National Mourning Day, paying respects at Bangabandhu Bhavan and praying for the departed souls, while seeking divine blessings for the nation.
