Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo observes National Mourning Day

High Commissioner Tarik Ahsan​

The National Mourning Day and 40th death anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was observed on 15 August by the Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo in a befitting manner and with due solemnity. 

Members of the expatriate Bangladesh community, officials and staff of the High Commission participated in a program arranged at the Chancery premises of the High Commission. The program included hoisting of the National Flag at half-mast, observance of one minute silence, recitation from the Holy Books, placing of floral wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu, reading out messages of the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs, open discussion, prayers/munajat and screening of a documentary film on Bangabandhu. The program was rounded off with a lunch.

The Embassy officials and expatriate Bangladeshis took part in the discussion on the life and philosophy of the Father of the Nation. The speakers highlighted the contribution of the great leader to Bangladesh’s independence. They condemned the barbaric act of assassination of the Father of the Nation along with his family members on 15 August 1975. They prayed for salvation and eternal peace of the soul of Bangabandhu.

High Commissioner Tarik Ahsan, during his concluding remarks, paid rich tribute to the contribution of Bangabandhu to the achievement of independence of Bangladesh. High Commissioner said that the killers wanted to erase the spirit of liberation war but ultimately did not succeed. He indicated that, through carrying forward the values, ideals and vision of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the present day Bangladesh has achieved international acclaim for her contribution to areas of peace and development such as UN peacekeeping, innovation in social development, principled position on international issues, commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation and so on.

On this occasion, the High Commission hosted a lunch for 70 orphans at an orphanage in Colombo. Additionally, arrangement was made for one complete recital of the Holy Quran which was dedicated for peace and forgiveness of the departed soul of Bangabandhu.