President, PM pay homage to Bangabandhu

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, marking his 48th martyrdom anniversary and the National Mourning Day.

As part of the state programme, the President and Prime Minister paid homage to the architect of the country's independence by placing wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road No 32 in the capital at 6:30am.

After placing the wreaths, they stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of the Father of the Nation.

A smartly turned out contingent drawn from Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented a guard of honour on the occasion.

A munajat was also offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs of the August 15 carnage.

Later, flanked by senior Awami League (AL) leaders and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana, Sheikh Hasina, also AL President, placed a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu on behalf of the party.

Speaker of the House, Chief Justice, cabinet members and chiefs of army, navy and air forces, among others, were present on the occasion.

From Dhanmondi, the premier later went to the Banani Graveyard where her mother Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, brothers Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal, and Sheikh Russel and other martyrs of August 15, 1975 were laid to eternal rest.

She placed wreaths and spread flower petals on their graves.

Sheikh Hasina also offered Fateha and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs of August 15.

The day is being observed across the country as National Mourning Day.

Bangabandhu, his spouse Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, his three sons- Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russel- and most of the family members of Bangabandhu and his three close relatives were assassinated in cold blood on the fateful night of August 15, 1975 by a group of disgruntled army men.

Two daughters of Bangabandhu -- incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana -- could escape the carnage as they stayed abroad at that time.