The Bangladesh High Commission in Canada solemnly observed the 48th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman and National Mourming Day on 15 August 2023.

The day’s proceedings commenced with the hoisting of the national flag at half mast at Bangladesh House
by His Excellency Dr. Khalilur Rahman with the participation of officers and officials of the High Commission.

Later in the afternoon, a condolence event chaired by H.E. the High Commissioner was convened in the auditorium of the High Commission. The event was attended by High Commission officials and members of the Bangladesh Community residing in Canada.

The ceremony commenced with a one-minute silence to honor the memory of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib as well as other martyrs of 15 August 1975. After that, the High Commissioner and leaders of the Bangladesh Community laid separate floral wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu.

Following this, messages by Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Foreign Minister and Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out by the officers
of the High Commissioner. This was followed by the screening of a documentary showcasing the life long struggle of Bangabandhu for an independent country.

Freedom Fighters and leading figures from Bangladesh Community in Canada delivered speeches during the discussion segment highlighting Bangabandhu’s pivotal role in establishing an independent and sovereign Bangladesh as well as fostering Bengali nationhood.

The speakers pledged their unwavering support to Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision of adeveloped Bangladesh by 2041, building upon the solid foundation laid by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during his brief but transformative leadership.

The speakers said that Bangabandhu’s legacy remains an integral part of Bangalee identity, providing guidance and inspiration in building a prosperous Bangladesh.
Date: 15 August 2023

In his address, H.E. the High Commissioner Dr. Khalilur Rahman paid profound respects to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and other martyrs of 15 August 1975. The Hligh Commissioner highlighted Bangabandhu’s tireless efforts in the face of oppression, discrimination, and tyranny by the West Pakistani authorities since the creation of Pakistan in 1947 till the emnergence of an independent Bangladesh in 1971.

He termed Bangabandhu’s historic 7 March speech as a testament to the Bengali people’s struggle and yearning for freedom. He underscored that with the dream of a secular, non-communal “Golden Bengal” Bangabandhu gave us a constitution withina year of independence, guiding the state in the principles of nationalism,democracy, socialism, and secularism.

Reflecting on the tragic events of 15 August 1975, the High Commissioner lamented the attempt to erase the spirit of Bangladesh’s non-communal spirit of liberation through the assassination of Bangabandhu.

He acknowledged that despite adversity from extremists and anti-liberation forces, the country returned to the path of the liberation war’s secular ideals under the stewardship of Bangabandhu’s able daughter, the current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The High Commissioner urged collective
Bangladesh into a prosperous, knowledge-based nation by 2041, under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership. He reaffirmed High Commission’s continuous
diplomatic endeavors to deport Nur Chowdhury, one of the self-confessed killers of Bangabandhu currently sheltered Canada, to Bangladesh to ensure justice. The High
Commissioner pledges to make it a Different August’ about deporting the killer of Bangabandhu.

The High Commissioner solicited the support of the Bangladesh Community in Canada to raise awareness of this grave matter among the Canadian public, government bodies, and political parties. The event concluded with a special prayer to honor the souls of Bangabandhu and other martyrs of 15 August 1975.