Sheikh Hasina instructs AL members to observe Aug 15 as National Mourning Day

Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, who is now in India after being ousted as Bangladesh's prime minister last week, has given instructions to the party's members to observe the National Mourning Day on August 15, according to some party sources with whom Hasina reported made contacts.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the current situation, said AL leaders are starting communication among themselves to emerge from hiding and observe the day through mass processions, reports UNB.

In one telephone conversation with an unidentified party leader Hasina was heard saying that under his guidance, everyone should come to Dhaka and pay homage to Bangabandhu's portrait.

She was also heard saying that since the communication system is now good, everyone can go back home after paying respects in capital Dhaka. This suggests the leader she spoke to was from outside Dhaka.

However, she has directed everyone to pay respect in a peaceful manner.

An organising secretary of the party, seeking anonymity, claimed to have spoken with party president Sheikh Hasina on Saturday.

"She asked us to keep in touch with the party leaders. At the same time, she said that we should observe the mourning day programme on August 15. Let's see what happens. But we will not be involved in any discord with anyone."

Another organiaing secretary of the party, also wishing not be named, confirmed getting party instructions in this regard.

"We will hold a mourning procession on the National Mourning Day on August 15. It is a national programme. If we don't do that then we will have to answer to our conscience. And this is not a revenge programme. If we fail then we shouldn't be in this country."

Awami League's middle-ranking leaders are also expressing their position through social media to hold programmes on the day of mourning. They are discussing in various social media groups to unite and gather at number 32 of Dhanmondi through a mourning procession.

According to the party leaders, Awami League wants to ensure the presence of leaders and activists in Dhaka even under adverse conditions.

Hasina-led Awami League government ruled the country for 15 consecutive years before it was toppled by a student-led mass upsurge on August 5.