Abu Jakir : Today commemorates the 44th homecoming day of Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a pivotal moment in Bangladesh's political history. On May 17, 1981, Sheikh Hasina returned to her homeland after a prolonged exile in Germany.
This day not only symbolises her personal journey but also underscores her enduring leadership within the Awami League and Bangladesh's political landscape.
Elected as party president in absentia during a national council session of the Bangladesh Awami League in February 1981, Sheikh Hasina's return marked a resurgence of hope and determination among her supporters.
Since then, she has steered the Awami League with unwavering dedication, firmly establishing herself as the party's guiding force.
Under Sheikh Hasina's leadership, the Awami League has witnessed unparalleled success, securing power for the fourth consecutive term. Her visionary approach and astute political acumen have propelled the party forward, earning admiration and respect from both within and outside its ranks.
Speaking on the significance of Sheikh Hasina's leadership, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader emphasised, "She is our guiding light, unparalleled in her affectionate leadership and unmatched in her administrative prowess in Bangladesh. Amidst the world's crises, she stands as the epitome of popularity and strength, leading our nation with unwavering resolve."
Echoing this sentiment, AL Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif highlighted Sheikh Hasina's role as a visionary leader akin to her father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
"We have unwavering faith in Sheikh Hasina's leadership to steer both our party and our nation forward. In a single phrase, there is simply no alternative to Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh," he said.
The homecoming of Sheikh Hasina holds deep emotional resonance, particularly in light of the tragic events that befell her family. Following the brutal assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members on August 15, 1975, Sheikh Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, narrowly escaped the same fate by staying abroad.
The outpouring of support and jubilation surrounding Sheikh Hasina's return to Bangladesh remains etched in the nation's collective memory. Crowds of supporters, numbering in the millions, converged at Kurmitola Airport in Dhaka, reflecting the overwhelming enthusiasm and solidarity with her cause.
Addressing the throngs of supporters upon her arrival, Sheikh Hasina had expressed her commitment to the people's cause, stating, "I have returned to the country not to become a leader of the Awami League, rather to participate in the struggle for freedom by staying beside the people."
As Bangladesh marks this significant milestone in its political history, the ruling Awami League has organised elaborate programs to commemorate Sheikh Hasina's homecoming. These initiatives underscore the profound impact of her leadership and serve as a testament to her enduring legacy.
As part of the programmes, the party leaders will greet the premier, the eldest daughter of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, at her Ganabhaban residence here at 9 am on Friday.
A discussion will be held at Dhaka District AL Bhaban in the city's Tejgaon area at 3:30 pm as AL Presidium Member Engineer Mosharraf Hossain will chair it. National leaders and intellectuals will address the meeting.
Special doa and prayers will also be offered at mosques, temples, churches and pagodas to mark the day. Doa will be offered at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque after Jummah prayers.
Christian Community will hold special prayer at Mirpur Baptist Church at 9 am on the day while Buddhist Community at International Buddhist Monastery in the city's Merul Badda at 10 am and Hindu Community at Dhakeshwari National Temple at 11.30 am.
On May 17, food will be distributed among the orphans of Azimpur Salimullah Muslim Atimkhana, Salimullah Road's Atimkhana in Mohammadpur, Sobhanbag Masjid Atimkhana and Badda Beraid Rahim Ullah Atimkhana.
Food will also be distributed among the orphans of the atimkhanas (orphanages) adjacent to Hazrat Shahjalal (R) Mazar (shrine) in Sylhet, Hazrat Shah Amanat (R) and Garib Ullah Shah (R) in Chattogram on the same day.
The members of the subcommittee will also distribute food among orphans in different districts across the country.
On May 18, Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud will distribute food among the inmates of Chattogram's Kadam Mobarak Orphanage.
