Shawdesh Desk:

The nation is observing the 92nd birth anniversary of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, better half of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, today in a befitting manner.

On August 8 in 1930, Bangamata, mother of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was born at Tungipara village in Gopalganj.

She along with her husband (Bangabandhu), sons and daughter-in-laws and most of the family members were brutally assassinated by the anti-liberation clique at her residence in Dhanmondi on the fateful night of August 15 in 1975.

The theme of the 92nd birth anniversary of Fazilatunnesa Mujib is ‘Mohiosi Bangamataer Chetona, Odommo Bangladesh er Prerona’.

President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the eve of the day, saying that her ideology would always remain as a source of inspiration for the womenfolk.

In his message, the President said that Bangamata had played a pivotal role in building the nation staying beside the Father of the Nation.

The eternal image of the Bengali mother can be found in the selfless, philanthropic and humble Mujib-patni (wife of Mujib), the President said, adding that she nurtured the ideals of Bangabandhu in her own life and raised her children in the same ideals.

Her worthy daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also adopted the same education, ideals and spirit to make Bangladesh a wonder of the world, a role model of development today, he added.

The president also termed August 15 carnage ‘a shameful chapter in the history of the nation’.

He hoped that the young generation will devote themselves to the welfare of the motherland imbued with the ideals of Bangamata.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the dignified woman Fazilatunnesa was a determined and strong character from childhood.

“She was not only the partner of the Father of the Nation, but actively supported him in every step as a behind-the-scenes artist of the Bangalee’s Sadhikar Andolon and struggle of independence,” she said.

During the riots of 1946 before the partition of the country, Bangamata herself set a shining example of patriotism by advising Bangabandhu to help the riot-affected people of Calcutta despite her illness and she has no intention to keep her husband beside her on that time.

Her bold and visionary decision in the Agartala Conspiracy Case saved the lives of all the prisoners (raj-bondi) in the case and gave the movement for freedom more momentum, the premier said.

She made a strong contribution to the 6-point and 11-point movements, she said, adding that Bangamata also played a very important role in delivering the historic March 7speech of Bangabandhu.

Due to her immense sacrifice and contribution for the country and the nation, the nation gave her the title ‘Bangamata’, she said.

She hoped that through the study of her biography, the new generation will be inspired by patriotism and will know about the struggling life of the father of the nation, the Bangalee’s independence movement, the great liberation war and many unknown chapters of the struggle of independence.

Marking the day, the Awami League and its associate bodies, socio and cultural organisations have chalked elaborate programmes.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to handover the Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Award, 2022 at 10:00am at Osmani Memorial Auditorium after virtually joining from her official residence Ganabhaban.

Different programmes, including placing floral wreaths, holding discussion, milad and doa mahfil, photo exhibition and blood donation camp, will be organised across the country.

As per the programme, AL paid rich tribute to Bangamata by placing wreaths at her grave in the city’s Banani area at 8:00am.

AL’s Dhaka north city unit will distribute food among orphans at Azimpur Orphanage after Zohr prayers.

Besides, AL’s relief and social welfare sub-committee and forest and environment sub-committee, Awami Jubo League and Awami Matsyajibi League will arrange separate discussions.

Awami League forest and environment affairs sub-committee will organise a discussion marking the day.

Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other electronic media are broadcasting special programmes to mark the day.

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader urged all leaders and workers of the party and its associate bodies to observe Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib’s birth anniversary in a befitting manner.