The 87th birth anniversary of Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib, wife of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and mother of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was observed in Bangladesh on Tuesday.
Awami League leaders and activists, led by General Secretary Obaidul Quader, and associate organisations paid their respects with flower wreaths at the Banani graveyard.
Bangamata’s contributions in establishing an independent Bangladesh was recollected by Sheikh Hasina at a programme organised at Osmani Memorial Hall by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.
Sheikh Hasina said: “The vengeful killers did not spare the spirited Bangamata for the role she played in the liberation of Bangladesh.
“She always encouraged Bangabandhu in making the right decisions. In his absence, Begum Mujib guided the party leaders and workers like a guardian as well.”
On this day in 1930, Begum Fazilatunnesa was born into a noble Muslim family in Tungipara village of then Gopalganj sub-division of Faridpur district. She was brutally assassinated along with Bangabandhu and most of her family members on August 15, 1975.
Her daughters Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana survived the massacre since they were abroad at the time. Hasina said:“The killers knew that Fazilatunnesa was the key to the success of Sheikh Mujib’s movements, which led to her murder.”
The premier urged party leaders and workers to nourish the ideals of Begum Fazilatunnesa in their lives to fulfil her dreams and build a happy, prosperous and peaceful Bangladesh. State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroz Chumki presided over the function, while Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Rebeka Momen was present as a special guest.
The keynote paper was presented by Fazilatunessa Bappi MP. Chairman of Jatiya Mohila Sangstha Momtaj Begum took part in the discussion, while the Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Nasima Begum gave the welcome address. On this occasion, a video documentary on the life and works of Bangamata was screened.
Awami Jubo League orgainsed a meeting to mark the day at Shilpakala Academy, where Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif and others paid their tributes.
To mark the day, Bangladesh Mahila Awami League organised a meeting at Shilpakala Academy in the afternoon. Awami League Presidium Member and Agricultural Minister Matia Chowdhury and others were present at the discussion.
The Awami League also organised special prayers in tribute to the Bangamata.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
