The programmes began with the lighting up candles in front of Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi in the city at 12:01am on Monday by the Awami Sechchhasebok League.

Leaders and workers of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), student wing of the AL, brought out a mourning procession from Dhaka University campus to Bangabandhu Bhaban carrying black flags. AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil inaugurated the procession.

Bangladesh Krishak League organised a blood donation programme in front of the Bangabandhu Bhaban in which leaders and workers of the organisation took part.

A daylong token hunger strike was also observed in front of the Bangabandhu Bhaban.

Leaders of the AL and other opposition parties joined the programme.

Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote also began its month-long programme with a mourning procession in the city in the morning.

Leaders and activists of the jote wearing black badges took part in the procession that paraded different city streets.

Later, the cultural activists held a rally in front of the AL central office at Bangabandhu Avenue. Speakers at the rally said the dream of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman making Bangladesh a secular country is under threat under the BNP-Jamaat-led coalition.

Amra Muktijoddhar Santan (We are children of Freedom Fighters) organised a rally at Muktangon in the city demanding execution of the verdict of Bangabandhu murder case.

Awami League General Secretary Abdul Jalil, Joint Secretary Obaidul Kader and Chairman of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Principal Ahad Chowdhury addressed the rally.

Other programmes of the month include homage to father of the nation, inauguration of a memorial plaque marking August 21 carnage, token hunger strike, condolence rally, human chain, and discussion meetings.

AL will hold a discussion and display of photographs and books on the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in front of the Bangabandhu Bhaban on August 14.

On August 15, the national and party flags will be hoisted half-mast at all party offices, including the central office, across the country. The party will also hoist black flags at all offices.

AL will also place wreath at the portrait and mazar of Bangabandhu and offer prayer. It will also pay homage to other martyrs of August 15 by visiting their mazars.

Apart from this, a half-day hartal (6:00am to 12:00 noon) will be observed on August 15 throughout the country protesting the cancellation of the holiday on the National Mourning Day.

AL President Sheikh Hasina will go to Tungipara to visit the mazar of Bangabandhu on August 16.

AL front organisations will hold discussion in Dhaka on August 16 and observe other programmes on August 17-19.

AL Chief Sheikh Hasina will unveil a martyrs' memorial plaque on August 20 to commemorate the August 21 carnage.

An anti-violence rally will be brought out from the Central Shaheed Minar at 5: 22pm on August 21 marking the last year's grenade attacks on the rally presided over by Sheikh Hasina.

The procession will terminate at the Bangabandhu Avenue by lighting candles and taking oath against violence.