In a move that has sent shockwaves across Bangladesh, the interim government has announced the cancellation of August 15 as National Mourning Day. This date, historically observed to honor Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, marks the anniversary of his assassination on August 15, 1975. The decision to abolish this significant public holiday was approved by the Council of Advisors in a meeting held on Tuesday, following extensive consultations with political parties.
The interim government’s announcement underscores the current state of upheaval in Bangladesh, particularly following the recent political turmoil. “The decision to cancel the public holiday on August 15, declared for National Mourning Day, was approved in Tuesday’s meeting of the Council of Advisors, based on broad consensus during discussions with political parties,” a statement from the interim government read.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Home Affairs Advisor had outlined plans for heightened security measures on August 15. “We will ensure that no one causes any disruption. Security measures will be comprehensive, with the police, BGB, RAB, and possibly the army, all present,” the Advisor stated. This declaration reflects the volatile atmosphere in the country, as authorities prepare for potential unrest on what would have been a day of national mourning.
The decision to cancel the National Mourning Day follows a period of intense political instability. On August 5, Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister and daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was forced to resign and flee the country. Her departure came amidst unprecedented student protests demanding reforms and anti-quota demonstrations that escalated into widespread violence. With Hasina now in exile in India, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the head of the interim government.
In the aftermath of Hasina’s ousting, Bangladesh has faced severe communal violence, with the Hindu community being particularly targeted. The interim administration, under Yunus, has committed to addressing these issues through several measures. The government has announced the launch of a hotline for reporting incidents of violence and plans to provide financial aid to victims.
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Abul Fayez Muhammad Khalid Hossain, Advisor for Religious Affairs in the interim government, has condemned the attacks on minority communities and vowed to take strict action against the perpetrators. Similarly, Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, Home Affairs Advisor, has issued an apology to the Hindu community for the government’s failure to protect them during the recent violence. He urged societal support for the minority communities affected by the unrest.
The violence has led to a significant exodus of Bangladeshi Hindus seeking refuge in India. Reports indicate that hundreds of Hindus have attempted to cross the border following attacks on their homes and businesses. The unrest has resulted in the deaths of at least two Hindu leaders affiliated with Hasina’s Awami League party and widespread destruction across 45 out of the country’s 64 districts. The ongoing violence has claimed over 560 lives, with more than 230 people killed in the past week alone.
The cancellation of August 15 as National Mourning Day adds a new dimension to the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh. The decision not only impacts the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman but also highlights the severe political and social turbulence the country is currently experiencing. As Bangladesh grapples with the consequences of the recent upheaval, the interim government faces mounting pressure to restore stability and address the deep-seated issues fueling the unrest.
The current situation in Bangladesh remains fluid, with the interim government’s actions and decisions closely scrutinized both domestically and internationally. The cancellation of a day dedicated to mourning one of the nation’s most revered leaders is a poignant symbol of the profound changes and challenges facing the country at this critical juncture.
