The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) observed the National Mourning Day, commemorating the 48th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nationa Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with due respect and solemnity. holding various programmes throughout the day.
On Tuesday (August 15) at 6 am, the programme commenced with the hoisting of the national flag at half-mast at Bandarbhaban including its all offices, educational institutions and vessels at the port.
Port Chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail, OSP, NUP, PPM, PSC and the board members paid their tribute by placing wreaths at the portrait of the Father of the Nation at the Bandarbhaban premises in the morning. The port chairman planted a tree on the premises to mark the solemn event. All the department heads and all levels of officers and employees as well as the CBA president, general secretary and other leaders were present at the time.
At ten in the morning, a huge mourning rally led by the Member of Parliament for Chittagong-11 Constituency MA Latif and CPA Chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail, OSP, NUP, PPM, PSC, started from the Bandarbhaban, proceeded via the Customs Intersection and ended at the Port Authority High School.
After the rally, a discussion meeting on the life and contribution of Bangabandhu, and an award distribution ceremony were held in the Shaheed Fazlur Rahman Munsi Auditorium which was participated by the students of schools-colleges-madrasas and the port employees.
MA Latif, MP, Chittagong-11 Constituency and Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Shipping Ministry attended the events as the chief guest while CPA Chairman presided. Besides, the board members were present as special guests.
The chief guest in his speech, remembered Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and all the martyrs who died on August 15 with profound respect and said, because of Bangabandhu, we got this Bangladesh; because of Bangabandhu, the Bengali nation got the taste of freedom.
He also highlighted the contribution of the current Prime Minister, People’s Leader Sheikh Hasina to the advancement of women in Bangladesh. He said that the prime minister is working with the goal of ensuring equal opportunities for women.
He also said that Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu, has contributed to achieving the maritime boundary of Bangladesh, without whom, this territorial waters and maritime boundary would not have been achieved.
The port chairman in his speech said Bangabandhu is the greatest Bengali of a thousand years. He also called for upholding the spirit of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu in all aspects of life, following his instructions and moving the country forward in the true spirit of the liberation war.
The port chairman said today is a tainted day for the nation. On this day we remember with deep respect all the martyrs who died on August 15 including Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangamata Sheikh Faziltunnesa Mujib and all those martyrs who sacrificed themselves for the country in 1971 and furthered the country’s independence.
Quoting the father of the nation, he said, you love the country, you love the people of Bangladesh.
After the Zohr prayer, the port chairman, members and heads of departments participated in the doa mahfil at the port central Jame Masjid. Later, the guests attended the mourning meeting, Khatme Quran and Dua Mahfil organised by the CBA for Chittagong Port. CBA President Mohammad Azim presided over the meeting while General Secretary Naibul Islam Fatik moderated the programme.
