The Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN Office and other International Organizations in Geneva observed the National Mourning Day and the 43rd martyrdom anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with due veneration and solemnity. The day-long programme began with the hoisting of the national flag at half mast at the Chancery by the Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative M.Shameem Ahsan. This was followed by placing of floral wreaths at the portrait of the Father of the Nation.
In the afternoon, a discussion was held at the premises of the Mission. The discussion commenced with the observance of one-minute silence to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation and his martyred family members. Next messages of the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out followed by screening of a documentary on Bangabandhu and poetry recitation. Finally, special prayers were offered in remembrance of Bangabandhu and his deceased family members.
In his brief remarks, Ambassador Ahsan said that we should draw inspiration from the life and work of Bangabandhu who sacrificed his entire life for the protection of rights and for well-being of people and for establishing world-peace. He recalled with reverence Bangabandhu’s extraordinary leadership in each and every movement guided by the spirit of nationalism leading up to the independence of Bangladesh. He called upon all to continue making contributions to building the ‘Sonar Bangla’ under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
A wall magazine published highlighting Bangabandhu’s three historical speeches, a selected portion from his ‘Osomapto Atmojiboni’, two of his letters written to his wife and daughter and remarks and comments about Bangabandhu made by illustrious global leaders, personalities and media added an extraordinary dimension to the day’s programme. A wall hanging depicting Bangabandhu’s eventful life was also opened on the occasion. Both were inaugurated by the Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative.
All officials and staff of the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh in Geneva and many Bangladeshi expatriates residing in Switzerland attended the programme.