Trade bodies observe National Mourning Day

On the occasion of National Mourning Day and 46th martyrdom anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, different trade bodies took up an elaborate programme to mark the day of mourning with due solemnity.

A number of trade associations discussed the life of the Father of the Nation and sought forgiveness and peace for the departed souls of Bangabandhu and his family members who were brutally killed in the dark night of August 15, 1975.

FBCCI

Apex trade body Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) paid homage to Bangabandhu. The organisation led by its acting president Mostafa Azad Chowdhury Babu laid a wreath in tribute at the portrait of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi 32 in the capital on August 15.

FBCCI vice presidents Md Amin Helaly, Md Habib Ullah Dawn, MA Razzak Khan, Directors Dilip Kumar Agarowala, Abul Kasem Khan and others were present at the time.

BGMEA

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) commemorated the day with due reverence and paid tribute to Bangabandhu.

The first part of its program began on the premises of Sparrow Apparels. The leaders of the trade body led by its president Faruque Hassan offered homage to the architect of Bangladesh’s independence by placing wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu. They also planted trees on the factory premises.

BGMEA vice president Miran Ali, Abdullah Hil Rakib, Haroon Ar Rashid and Director of Giant Group Sharmeen Hassan Tithi were also present on the occasion.

Later food was distributed among the orphans at Shahabuddin Hafizia Madrasa and Orphanage in Gazipur. They also took part in the prayers seeking forgiveness and peace for Bangabandhu and his family members.

In his address at a later discussion, BGMEA president Faruque Hassan said the killers could have killed Bangabandhu but his dreams and ideals are still intact.

“The Sonar Bangla as dreamt by Bangabandhu is now a reality and the RMG industry will keep up contribution to that effort,” he added.

At the end of the programme, BGMEA leaders handed over clothing to the persons having oversight of managing Kazibari graveyard in the area for burying unidentified bodies.

BKMEA

Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) observed the day of mourning by offering prayer seeking salvation of the departed souls on this very day, distributing food among the disadvantaged people and discussing the life of Bangabandhu at its Narayanganj office.

BKMEA president Selim Osman presided over the programme where the association directors, members, businessmen and local citizens were present.

REHAB

The Real-estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) held discussion on the life of Bangabandhu to mark the day. Top leaders of the association attended the programme.

“Not only have we achieved independence because of Bangabandhu’s life-long sacrifice, he has also presented us to the world as a prestigious and liberal nation. His struggle has given the Bangalees an economic emancipation,” said REHAB vice president Kamal Mahmud in his address as the chief guest.

With a prayer to the almighty for peace of the martyrs on this day and feeding the destitute, REHAB concluded its programme.