President M Abdul Hamid said that March 7 is an unforgettable day in the history of Bangladesh’s liberation movement and independence as on this day in 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered an epic speech in a thunderous voice in the then Race Course Maidan.
"On the occasion of the 'Historic 7th March' I remember with deep respect the architect of our independence, the greatest Bangali of all time Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as his immense courage, boundless sacrifice, courageous leadership, and right guidance led the nation in achieving country's independence," said the president in a message on the eve of the historic March 7.
He said although Awami League bagged the absolute majority in the general election of 1970, the Pakistani ruling party resorted to dilly-dallying tactics in handing over power.
Under the leadership of Bangabandhu the non-cooperation movement started on March 1 and in continuation of the agitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered a historic speech at the mammoth gathering in the Race Course Maidan by ignoring the then Pakistani ruler, he added.
"In that effulgent speech, with his unique eloquence and political wisdom, Bangabandhu united the emotions, dreams, and aspirations of Bangalis and declared in a thunderous voice “The struggle this time is the struggle for emancipation, the struggle this time is the struggle for independence", he said.
He called upon the people to form “Sangram Parishad” under the leadership of the Awami League in every village and area and get ready with whatever they had.
At the beginning of this historic speech, Bangabandhu touched the history of Bangla during the 23 years of misrule of Pakistan, he said, adding, the great leader made a fervent appeal to the roaring people from all walks of life to make preparations for armed struggle against the tyranny, exploitation, subjugation, and deprivation by Pakistani military junta with whatever they possessed and transformed every house into a fortress.
He said Unesco has recognized the March 7 Speech of Bangabandhu as part of the “World's Documentary Heritage” and included it in the “Memory of the World International Register” on October 30, 2017. "This is our great achievement as Bangalis. The world-renowned magazine Newsweek in its issue on April 5, 1971, termed Bangabandhu as the “Poet of Politics” for this historic address.”
“The historic address of Bangabandhu on March 7 will be an eternal source of inspiration not only for us but also for freedom-loving people around the world," said the president.
Abdul Hamid said Bangabandhu's lifetime dream was to turn independent-sovereign Bangladesh into a happy and prosperous “Golden Bangla”.
"We must continue our efforts to fulfill that dream of our great leader. After going through many ups and downs, Bangladesh is now a developing country.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has undertaken “Vision 2041” to make Bangladesh a developed and rich country by 2041," he added.