Bangladesh Embassy In Ankara Observes The National Mourning Day

UsaNewsOnline.Com, Ankara: The Embassy of Bangladesh in Ankara observed the National Mourning Day and the 43rd anniversary of the martyrdom of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 15 August 2018 with utmost respect and due solemnity. The day started with hoisting of the National Flag at half-mast at the Embassy premises by Bangladesh Ambassador to Turkey M. Allama Siddiki. Then, the Ambassador placed floral wreath at the bust of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Chancery plot in Ankara in presence of Embassy officials and expatriates.

The morning session was concluded with the distribution of food boxes among 100 families of Syrian refugees in coordination with the Turkish Red Crescent in presence of Ambassador of Bangladesh and the President of the Turkish Red Crescent, Ankara branch MR. AHMET HİZANLIOĞLU. The food donation programme was highlighted at the social media network of the Turkish Red Crescent.

The Programme of the day included a discussion session held in the afternoon. At the beginning of the session, one-minute silence was observed to pay homage to the Father of the Nation and other personalities who embraced martyrdom on the fateful night of 15 August 1975. The messages delivered by the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh on this occasion were readout. This was followed by a video screening on the life and achievements of Bangabandhu.

The Ambassador in his speech paid tribute to the Father of the Nation for his immense contribution and supreme sacrifice of Bangabandhu for the emancipation of the Bangali nation. He underscored Bangabandhu’s contribution in formation and fulfilment of Bangali nationhood. He emphasised that the values, ideals and vision of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman; and the history of his long arduous political struggle for an independent Bangladesh need to be properly passed on to the present generation so that they prepare themselves to realise his vision of Sonar Bangla (the Golden Bengal). He said that the brutal killers could not dampen the spirit of Bangali nationalism and the undaunted aspiration of the people to achieve socio-economic development and attain a righful place in the international arena. Now under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is cited as a role model of development for the developing nations. Bangladesh is now one of the top ten countries in terms of GDP growth.

Among others, Prof. Dr. Merthan Dundar of International Relations Department of Ankara University and Ambassador Alev Kilic, President of Center for Eurasian Studies (AVIM) spoke on the occasion condemning the heinous killing on 15 August as the most shameful event of history. They termed Bangabandhu as a towering personality who dedicated his life for fulfilment of a nation’s dream for a dignified and prosperous future. Bangabandhu’s commitment to achieving a just and peaceful world order was also highlighted by them.

The discussion session was concluded with a special prayer offered for the salvation of the departed souls of Bangabandhu and members of his family who embraced martyrdom on the black night of 15 August 1975. Press Release.