In first statement since ouster, Hasina calls on all to observe Mourning Day

In her first statement after fleeing the country on 5 August, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called on the countrymen to observe the National Day of Mourning on 15 August, the death anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. 

"I request you to observe the National Day of Mourning on 15 August with due dignity and solemnity. Pray for the forgiveness of souls by offering floral wreaths to the portrait of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the premises of Bangabandhu Bhaban," she said in a statement posted by her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy in his verified Facebook profile today (13 August).

Sheikh Hasina said many fresh lives have been lost due to sabotage, arson terrorism and violence in the name of movement since July last.

"I am extending deep shock to the students, teachers, police, even pregnant women police, journalists, cultural activists, working people, leaders and workers of Awami League and its associate bodies, passersby and those working in different organizations who have died in the face of terrorist aggression and pray for the salvation of their souls," she said.

Conveying condolences to those who lost relatives, the former prime minister demanded punitive actions against those involved in the killings and sabotage after proper investigation into the culprits.

"We, the two sisters, dedicated the house carrying the memory of the infernal murder that took place at Bangabandhu Bhaban in Dhanmondi on August 15, 1975," she said, adding that a memorial museum was built and common people of the country and dignitaries from home and abroad have come to this house. This museum is a memory of freedom.

"It is a matter of great regret that I have been serving you, dear countrymen, with the aim of bringing smiles on the faces of the miserable people of Bangladesh by holding all the pain and pain of losing near and dear ones in my chest. You have started getting good results. Bangladesh has achieved the status of a developing country in the world. Today it has been destroyed," she narrated.

"And the memories that were our means of survival have been burned to ashes. Extreme humiliation has been given to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, under whose leadership we got self-dignity as an independent nation, self-identity and independent country. They have insulted the blood of millions of martyrs. I want justice from the countrymen," she added.

Earlier in the day, a murder case accusing Sheikh Hasina and six others, including the AL general secretary, former home minister, and the former IGP, was filed at the Court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate.

In the face of massive protests spearheaded by Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled to India on 5 August. She has been staying in India since then.

Following Sheikh Hasina's ouster, a number of leaders, ministers, and lawmakers from the Awami League have been detained, with many still at large. 

Reports indicate that clashes related to the quota reform movement have resulted in the deaths of over 500 people so far.