Following the aftermath of the quota reform movement, which resulted in the fall of Sheikh Hasina-led government, the organisational strength of the Bangladesh Awami League has weakened across the country.
The unrest led to widespread attacks on Awami League offices, houses of party leaders and even vandalism of the major structures, including Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 and statues of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
As the AL prepares to observe the National Mourning Day on August 15, marking Bangabandhu’s death anniversary, the party leaders are putting in their best efforts to get united and rebuild the country.
AL Chairperson Sheikh Hasina has called on the party leaders and activists to observe the day peacefully across the country. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy has also urged everyone to gather at Dhanmondi 32 to pay tribute to Bangabandhu.
As the AL is all set to observe the day as National Mourning Day, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has announced ‘Resistance Week’ across the country from Tuesday to prevent the ‘conspiracy’. Coordinator of the quota movement Abu Bakr Majumdar, made a four-point demand, including the trial of AL leaders by a special tribunal. He also warned the people of the country against any ‘counter-revolution’ by the Awami League.
Despite the warnings, AL leaders have assured that the party is committed to peaceful democratic process. Two organisational secretaries of the party said the AL will not engage in any counter-revolution, but will focus on observing the National Mourning Day peacefully on August 15.
Meanwhile, following the AL chief’s call, party leaders and activists are preparing to pay tribute to the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32 on August 15. Many party activists are making posters that read ‘August 15 National Day’, ‘March to Dhanmondi 32, Join us and succeed’ and posting on social media.
Former joint general secretary of Bangladesh Chhatra League and member of AL sub-committee on agriculture and cooperatives Anwar Hossain, said everyone will come to Dhanmondi 32 by 7am on August 15. “I also request the people to come and pay tribute to Bangabandhu.”
Accrding to an official statement signed by AL Office Secretary Biplob Barua that the programmes on the National Mourning Day, include lowering the national and party flags to half-mast and hoisting black flags at all levels of the organisation at sunrise.
Other programmes are placing wreaths at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, followed by a Milad Mahfil at 8:30am, and a mourning rally from Dhanmondi 32 to Kalabagan. Special prayers will be held in mosques, temples, pagodas, and churches across the country on the occasion.
Major events are also planned at Bangabandhu’s Mausoleum in Tungipara, Gopalganj, where the local Awami League will hold various programme, including wearing black badges and prayer session.
General Secretary of Gopalganj district AL GM Shahbuddir Azam said a programme will be held at Bangabandhu’s Mausoleum on August 15. Those who cannot participate in this programme, are requested to join a long march to Dhanmondi 32.