Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh and current President of the Awami League, has reportedly begun reaching out to party leaders from her refuge in India, where she fled after being deposed last week. According to sources within the party, she has instructed members to observe August 15 as National Mourning Day.

August 15 marks the tragic day in 1975 when Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh and Hasina's father, was assassinated by a group of army officers. The massacre also claimed the lives of most of his family, including his wife, three sons, and two daughters-in-law.

Party insiders, speaking anonymously due to the current political climate, revealed that communication among Awami League leaders has increased as they prepare to emerge from hiding and organize mass processions to commemorate the day.

In a phone conversation with an unidentified party leader, Hasina was reportedly heard urging members to gather in Dhaka to pay homage to Bangabandhu’s portrait. She emphasized that the improved communication systems would allow participants to return home easily after the event, suggesting the leader she spoke to was from outside the capital.

Hasina also insisted that the observance of National Mourning Day should be carried out peacefully.

An organizing secretary of the Awami League, who requested anonymity, confirmed having spoken with Hasina on Saturday. “She instructed us to stay connected with party leaders and to ensure the mourning day is observed on August 15. We will proceed as directed, without engaging in any discord.”

Another organizing secretary, also speaking on condition of anonymity, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We will hold a mourning procession on National Mourning Day. It is a national obligation. If we don't observe it, we must answer to our conscience. This is not about revenge; it is about paying our respects.”

Middle-ranking leaders of the Awami League have started expressing their commitment to the observance on social media, discussing plans to unite and gather at Number 32, Dhanmondi, through a mourning procession.

Despite the adverse conditions, the Awami League leadership is determined to ensure a strong presence in Dhaka on August 15. The Hasina-led government ruled Bangladesh for 15 years before being toppled by a student-led mass uprising on August 5. Hasina has faced severe criticism for fleeing the country without considering the consequences for her party's leaders and activists.