Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's 51st death anniversary today

Those killed in the massacre included then-President Sheikh Mujib's wife Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, his three sons—Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and the child Sheikh Russel—two daughters-in-law Sultana Kamal and Rosy Jamal, and Sheikh Mujib's only brother Sheikh Abu Naser.

In addition, his military secretary Colonel Jamil Uddin, SB officer Siddiqur Rahman and soldier Syed Mahbubul Haque, who rushed to protect the President, were also killed.

That same night, another group of army personnel attacked the residence of Sheikh Mujib's nephew and Jubo League leader Sheikh Fazlul Haque Mani, killing him and his pregnant wife Arzu Mani. On that night, Bangabandhu's brother-in-law Abdur Rab Serniabat's residence was attacked and he, his daughter Baby, son Arif Serniabat, grandson Sukanta Babu, nephew Sajib Serniabat and a relative Abdul Naim Khan were killed.

At the time, Bangabandhu's two daughters, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, survived as they were in Brussels, Belgium.

This killing, just three and a half years into independence, opened a new chapter in Bangladeshi politics. Sheikh Mujib was the unquestioned leader of the Liberation War. After independence, however, he had to face many challenges in rebuilding the war-ravaged country.

In early 1975, he introduced the one-party system 'BAKSAL', which drew severe criticism and discontent in opposition political circles. This situation intensified the activities of those conspiring against him, culminating in August 15.

Twenty-one years after the brutal killings of 1975, in 1996, when the Awami League came to power, August 15 was declared National Mourning Day and a public holiday. Later, during the 15 consecutive years of Awami League government from 2009, the day remained National Mourning Day. However, in the changed circumstances after the July 2024 uprising, there is no longer any public holiday on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's death anniversary.