The Information Advisor, Mohammad Nahid Islam, announced that several non-essential and party-specific days of the Awami League have been canceled. He made this statement during a press briefing at the Secretariat on Wednesday, October 16.
Nahid Islam clarified that only those days lacking significant importance and specifically associated with the Awami League have been removed from the calendar. Discussions are ongoing regarding the potential addition of August 5 as a new day commemorating the spirit of popular uprisings.
He noted that the contributions of many individuals during the Great Liberation War should not be overlooked, citing that the Awami League has failed to acknowledge the role of Maulana Bhashani. He criticized the party for tarnishing the reputation of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and emphasized the importance of the historic March 7 speech, although he asserted it should not be designated as a national day. He further claimed that the people of the country do not recognize Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the Father of the Nation.
Earlier in the day, the verified Facebook page of the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government revealed a list of eight days that are set to be canceled, five of which pertain to the birth and death anniversaries of members of Sheikh Hasina’s family.
The canceled observances include:
- March 17: Birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children’s Day
- August 5: Birth anniversary of Captain Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Hasina’s brother
- August 8: Birth anniversary of Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib, Sheikh Hasina’s mother
- August 15: Death anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Mourning Day
- October 18: Day commemorating Sheikh Hasina’s younger brother, Sheikh Russell
Additionally, the list includes historic March 7, November 4: National Constitution Day, and December 12: Smart Bangladesh Day.
