Nation Pays Tributes to Father of the Nation

Thousands of mourners gathered at Dhanmondi Road- 32 in the capital and the grave of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara to pay homage to the Father of the Nation. Since morning, people from all walks of life including leaders and workers of different political parties and social, cultural and professional bodies started placing wreaths to the portrait of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi Road-32 residence.
As part of the state programme, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday placed floral wreaths on the portrait of Bangabandhu. Later, special prayers were offered seeking eternal peace of Bangabandhu and martyrs of August 15. Speaker, Deputy Leader of Jatiya Sangsad, cabinet members, PM's advisors, parliament members, cabinet secretary, chiefs of three services, senior leaders of Awami League and 14-party alliance and government high-ups were present on the occasion. Later, the Prime Minister visited Banani Graveyard in the city and paid homage to her mother Bangamata Fazilatunnessa Mujib, her brothers Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell and other martyrs of August 15.
After paying tributes in Dhaka, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina flew to Tungipara, birthplace of the country's founding father, to pay tributes at his grave there. Later, the President, the Prime Minister joined a special prayer on the grave premises.
Earlier in a message on the eve of the National Mourning Day, President Abdul Hamid said, "Let's transform our grief of losing Father of the Nation Bangabandhu into strength and work together to fulfill the dream of Bangabandhu for building a Sonar Bangla."
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said, "Though the killers assassinated Bangabandhu on August 15, 1975, his dreams and ideologies could not be erased off as his sacrifices and dedication throughout his long struggling life had been registered in the hearts of the Bangalee nation."
The national flags were kept at half-mast and black flags were raised atop all public and private buildings including Bangabandhu Bhaban. The national dailies published special supplements while radio and television channels aired special programmes on the occasion. Special prayers were also offered at mosques, temples, churches and pagodas.