In Bangladesh, Prof. Mahmud Yunus led interim government has officially canceled the public holiday on August 15, which was observed as National Mourning Day. The announcement was made through a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Tuesday night.

August 15 had been observed as National Mourning Day of Bangladesh for last 15 years during previous Awami League (AL)-led government. However, following AL government fall on August 5, there had been increasing demands from various quarters to cancel the holiday.

Earlier on Tuesday, Bangladesh Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on the people of Bangladesh to observe the National Day of Mourning on 15 August, the death anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

She said, “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 on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday night.

Home Affairs Advisor of the interim government Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hossain said on Tuesday that there would be heightened security measures on August 15, with a significant police presence to maintain order and law. He also mentioned that alongside police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) would be deployed, and the army could also be involved if necessary.

By Navalsang Parmar (Dhaka)