BSS, Dhaka

The 92nd birth anniversary of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, wife of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, will be observed today across the country.

She was born on August 8, 1930, in Tungipara of Gopalganj.

On the fateful night of August 15, 1975, she was killed brutally along with Bangabandhu and most of his family members.

Marking the birth anniversary, the Awami League has arranged for wreaths to be placed at her grave in the capital’s Banani at 9:00am.

AL’s Dhaka north city unit will distribute food among orphans at Azimpur Orphanage after Zohr prayers.

Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other electronic media will broadcast special programmes to mark the day.

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages on the eve of the 92nd birth anniversary of Bangamata.

They said Bangamata had played a pivotal role in building the nation, standing by Bangabandhu.

“On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, I pay my deep respects to the memory of this majestic woman,” said Hamid in his message.

He said Bangamata always used to live a simple life despite being the wife of the president and prime minister.

On Saturday, the government announced the names of five distinguished women for “Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Padak-2022” for their outstanding contributions to different fields.

The award-giving ceremony will be held at Osmani Memorial Hall in the capital at 10:00am.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangamata’s daughter, said the theme of the 92nd birth anniversary of Fazilatunnesa Mujib is “Mohiosi Bangamata er Chetona, Odommo Bangladesh er Prerona”, which befits the day.

Bangamata was not only the partner of the father of the nation, but actively supported him in every step, Hasina said.

Her bold and visionary decision in the Agartala Conspiracy Case saved the lives of all the prisoners (raj-bondi) in the case, the premier said.

She made significant contributions to the 6-point and 11-point movements, she said, adding that Bangamata also played a very important role in delivering the historic March 7 speech of Bangabandhu.

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Bangamata, both the president and the premier sought eternal peace of her departed soul.