Call to observe Bangabandhu's 51st martyrdom anniversary with due dignity

The Professional Human Rights Council has called upon the nation to observe the 51st martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with due solemnity and dignity.

In a joint statement issued on Friday, August 14, 2026, Council Convener Dr Jamal Uddin Chowdhury, Co-Convener Professor Dr M Ohiduzzaman and Member Secretary Agriculturist Mizanur Rahman said that Bangabandhu united the Bengali nation against the exploitation and oppression of Pakistani rulers and prepared the nation for the Liberation War through a step-by-step movement. They noted that Bangabandhu spent nearly 14 years of his valuable youth in prison cells for the oppressed people of Bengal. The statement said the inspiration for the proud freedom fighters during the 1971 Liberation War was Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangladesh was achieved at the cost of 30 lakh martyrs and the honour of countless women.

After his release from a Pakistani prison on January 10, 1972, the grateful nation unanimously conferred upon Bangabandhu the title of 'Father of the Nation'. Earlier, in 1969, after his release from the Agartala Conspiracy Case, the Bengali nation had honoured him with the title 'Bangabandhu'. During his three and a half years in power, Bangabandhu systematically improved the economic condition of war-ravaged Bangladesh and was able to bring the country to the status of a least developed country. Just as relief was returning to people's lives, the Father of the Nation was assassinated along with his family on August 15, 1975, by domestic and international conspirators. The statement described this tragic incident as a gross violation of human rights.

The Council prayed for the salvation of the souls of Bangabandhu and his family members and others who were killed on that fateful night and expressed deep respect for them.

The Council called upon the nation to observe the 51st martyrdom anniversary of Bangabandhu with due solemnity and urged everyone to move forward embracing his ideals for the transformation of the Bengali nation, the establishment of democracy and the creation of a peaceful Bangladesh free from oppression and persecution.