Dhaka: The 38th Homecoming Day of Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be observed on Thursday.

On May 17, 1981, Sheikh Hasina returned home from India after nearly six years in exile following the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members by a cabal of army officers on August 15, 1975.

However, both the daughters of Bangabandhu - Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana - survived as they were in Germany at the time. Hasina was elected president of Awami League in her absence in the party’s national council held on February 14-16, 1981.

Awami League and its associate bodies have chalked out various programmes, including milad and doa mahfil and discussions, to mark the day.

As part of the programme, the party will hold a discussion at Krishibid Institution on Thursday afternoon in the capital, marking the day.

Jubo League, Bangladesh Chhatra League and other associate bodies of the Awami League will also organise various programmes in observance of the day.

President Abdul Hamid has issued a message on the occasion.

In his message, the President said Bangabandhu’s daughter Sheikh Hasina’s homecoming is a milestone in the history of Bangladesh’s democracy which paved the way for establishing the values and spirit of the Liberation War and democracy.

‘The country is going forward with her visionary and strong leadership and people-oriented activities,’ he added.

Abdul Hamid greeted Hasina on the occasion and wished her government’s continued success and good health and long life of herself and her family members.

In a statement, Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader urged the party’s different units and associate bodies to observe the day across the country with due respect.