In her first public statement since being ousted on August 5, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged the nation to observe National Mourning Day on August 15. This day marks the anniversary of the 1975 assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the towering figure in Bangladesh’s independence struggle. Hasina called upon the people to offer floral tributes and prayers at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, a tribute to her father, and pray for the peace of his departed soul.
Beyond the somber commemoration, Hasina’s statement was laced with a call for accountability. She demanded a strict probe into the recent killings that occurred during the unrest in Bangladesh, unrest that ultimately led to her forced exit to India. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter) by her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, she expressed her desire for a thorough investigation and the prosecution of those responsible for the violence and sabotage.
This statement comes in the wake of an interim government assuming power, led by Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, following Hasina’s resignation. The interim government has dissolved parliament and is facing a volatile political landscape. The country is grappling with the consequences of a wave of protests against a government-mandated quota system for government jobs, which was seen as favoring individuals connected to Hasina’s Awami League party. These protests escalated into widespread unrest, culminating in Hasina’s ouster.
The unrest has seen the deaths of numerous police officers, prompting a temporary cessation of police work across the country. The new interim government, formed after discussions between student leaders, civil society representatives, and the military, is facing the daunting task of restoring order and stability to the nation.
Hasina’s call for peace and her demand for an investigation into the recent violence underscore the fragile state of Bangladesh. As the country navigates this turbulent period, the international community is watching closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the political crisis. The upcoming National Mourning Day, a day for remembrance and reflection, takes on a new significance, serving as a poignant symbol of a nation in mourning, but also a nation seeking justice and peace.
