File picture of ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. | Picture credit score: Reuters
In her first assertion since leaving Bangladesh on August 5, ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (August 13, 2024) referred to as on her nation to mark August 15 because the Nationwide Day of Mourning as that was the day Bangladesh’s founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was killed together with fifteen different members of his household by a rogue army unit.
In a press release written in Bengali and launched by means of her US-based son, Ms Hasina referred to as for justice for the latest vandalism and killings, expressed anguish over the burning of Bangabandhu’s residence within the latest protests, and referred to as on Bangladeshis to proceed to her father’s final residence, Bangabandhu Bhavan, at 32 Dhanmondi in Dhaka, and maintain prayer conferences on August 15.
“The home which bears the reminiscence of the lethal violent incident of August 15, 1975 was devoted by us two sisters to the folks of Bangladesh. A museum was inbuilt reminiscence of the victims. Individuals from all around the world came around the museum. I request you to look at the Nationwide Day of Mourning on August 15. Place flowers at Bangabandhu Bhavan on August 15 and maintain prayer conferences for the departed souls,” Ms Hasina mentioned within the letter.
The museum constructed at Bangabandhu Bhavan throughout Ms Hasina’s rule from 2009 to 2024 was set ablaze by a mob of protesters throughout anti-quota protests that compelled her to go away Dhaka on August 5. “The reminiscence of the Father of the Nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was insulted. The particular person below whose management we acquired recognition as a free nation was insulted. The blood of tons of of 1000’s of martyrs was insulted. I’m searching for justice for this on behalf of my folks,” she added.
The assertion shared by Ms Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Pleasure assumes significance as there have been experiences that he was prevented from delivering a ultimate speech earlier than leaving Dhaka in a army helicopter. That is additionally a politically charged assertion that requires motion within the type of prayer for Sheikh Mujib and his household. Throughout her years in energy, Ms Hasina would mark the day because the Nationwide Day of Mourning and in addition keep away from international visits in the course of the month of August.
On August 15, 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated by a insurgent military unit alongside along with his prolonged household, which included his spouse Fazilatunnesa and Sheikh Russel, Sheikh Mujib’s ten-year-old son. Ms Hasina’s assertion got here in opposition to the backdrop of experiences from Dhaka {that a} main conflict is predicted to happen on Thursday (August 15, 2024) between pro-Mujib activists and anti-Mujib protesters, who’re anticipated to forestall Mujib’s supporters from reaching Bangabandhu Bhavan. Ms Hasina’s name for a prayer on the burnt-out Bangabandhu Bhavan has additional contributed to the dynamics.
Ms Hasina additionally criticised the protesters who took management after evicting her. “The sabotage, terror and violent actions which were occurring since final July within the title of protest are claiming a lot of lives. College students, lecturers, police personnel, journalists, cultural activists, professionals, cadres of the Awami League and its allies, pedestrians have all fallen sufferer to this aggression. I categorical my condolences to those that have died on this violence and pray for the departed souls,” Ms Hasina mentioned.
