File photo of deposed Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
In her first statement since leaving Bangladesh on August 5, deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (August 13, 2024) called upon her country to mark August 15 as the National Day of Mourning as that was the day on which the founder of Bangladesh Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated along with fifteen other family members by a rogue military unit.
In a statement written in Bangla and released through her son who is based in the United States, Ms. Hasina sought justice for the vandalism and recent killings, expressed anguish over the burning of the residence of Bangabandhu in the recent protests and called upon citizens of Bangladesh to proceed to her father’s last residence — Bangabandhu Bhavan — at 32 Dhanmondi in Dhaka and hold prayer meetings on August 15.
“The house that bore the memory of the deadly incident of violence of 15 August 1975 was dedicated by we two sisters to the people of Bangladesh. A museum was built in memory of the victims. People from all over the world came to see the museum. I appeal to you to mark the National Day of Mourning on 15 August. Place flowers at the Bangabandhu Bhavan on 15 August and hold prayer meets for the departed souls,” said Ms. Hasina in the letter.
The museum that was built in Bangabandhu Bhavan during Ms. Hasina’s government that lasted from 2009 to 2024 was burnt down by a protesting mob during the anti-quota protests that forced her to leave Dhaka on August 5. “Memory of Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was insulted. The person under whose leadership we got recognition as a free nation was insulted. Blood of lakhs of martyrs was insulted. I seek justice for this from my people,” she further said.
The statement shared by Ms. Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy acquires significance as there were reports that she was prevented from delivering a final speech before leaving Dhaka in a military helicopter. This is also a politically charged statement that gives call for action in the form of prayer for the Sheikh Mujib and his family. During her years in power, Ms. Hasina marked the day as the National Day of Mourning and also avoided foreign visits during the month of August.
On 15 August 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated by a rogue Army unit along with his extended family that included his wife Fazilatunnesa, and Sheikh Russel, the ten year old son of Sheikh Mujib. Ms. Hasina’s statement came in the backdrop of reports from Dhaka that on Thursday (August 15, 2024) a major showdown is expected to take place between the pro-Mujib activists and the anti-Mujib protesters who are expected to stop the Mujib supporters from reaching Bangabandhu Bhavan. Ms. Hasina’s call for a prayer at the burnt down Bangabandhu Bhavan has further added to the dynamics.
Ms. Hasina also slammed the protesters who took charge after dislodging her. “The sabotage, terror and violent actions that have been going on since last July in the name of protest is taking away a large number of lives. Students, teachers, police personnel, journalists, cultural activists, professionals, cadre of the Awami League and its allies, pedestrians have been victims of this aggression. I express my condolences to those who have died in this violence and prayer for the departed souls,” said Ms. Hasina.
