National Mourning Day in Bangladesh is a solemn day of remembrance and honor. This national holiday, commemorated annually on August 15th, marks the anniversary of the assassination of the country's founder and first President, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, along with most of his family members in 1975. The day is deemed as the Darkest Day in the history of Bangladesh and symbolizes a national tragedy that deeply affected the spirit and identity of the Bangladeshi people.
On this day, the people of Bangladesh pay their respects to the fallen leader in numerous ways. The President, Prime Minister, and other senior government officials lay floral wreaths at Mujibur Rahman's mausoleum. The national flag is flown at half-mast in all government, semi-government offices, and other key establishments across the country. Special prayers are held in mosques, temples, and other places of worship, seeking divine blessings for the departed souls of the 15th August 1975 victims.
National Mourning Day also involves the public in its observance. Schools, colleges, and other educational institutions organize discussions, art competitions, and cultural programming related to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's life and contributions to Bangladesh. Mass media broadcast special programs and news features highlighting the historical significance of the day. The primary intent behind these activities is to instill respect for the country's history and underscore the value of democracy and freedom in the minds of future generations.