51st Anniversary of Mujib Assassination Marked Amid Clashes, Protests

Bangla Press Desk:  Different incidents marked the 51st year of the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Saturday, the 15th of August.

On this day in 1975, he, along with his family members and close relatives, was assassinated by a group of the then army officials in a military coup.

Though some organisations and loyalists attempted to observe the day through various programmes, they were intercepted by counter-protesters and law enforcers.

Tensions gripped key areas of the capital, particularly the historic residence of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi Road No. 32, where strict cordons prevented the customary placing of wreaths and mass gatherings.

UNB adds: With the ban on the Awami League's activities implemented under the interim government last year still in place, there were no visible major political programmes either to mark the day, following the fall of the government led by his daughter Sheikh Hasina in a mass uprising.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's founding leader and a central figure in Bangladesh's independence struggle, was assassinated along with most of his family members in the early hours of August 15, 1975, in a military-led coup.South Asians & Diaspora

The changed political landscape in light of the July Uprising has also pushed a reassessment of Mujib's leadership, particularly the post-independence government he led from 1972 till the day of his assassination.

The interim government in 2024 cancelled the public holiday on August 15. The BNP government that came to power in February this year has retained the decision.

Authorities have imposed heightened security across Dhaka ahead of August 15, citing the need to maintain law and order and ensure public safety.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has strengthened checkpoints and search operations at the capital's entry points. Detective Branch and Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime units have been deployed for operational duties.

SWAT, bomb disposal and K-9 teams are conducting security sweeps at important locations and public gathering sites. Key installations are under special security arrangements, with surveillance through CCTV cameras and drones.

Additional security personnel have been assigned to metro rail stations, bus and launch terminals, railway stations, shopping malls, event venues and other sensitive locations. Quick Response Teams have also been kept ready to respond to emergencies.

Police arrested 53 leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations from a flat in Bashundhara Residential Area around 9:05pm on Thursday, said Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) Niaz Mehedi of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

He said the leaders and activists of the Awami League, which faces a ban on its activities, gathered at the flat to hold a preparatory meeting and organise a flash procession on the occasion of August 15.