Bangladesh is observing the anniversary of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic address at the Racecourse Maidan, now known as Suhrawardy Udyan on Monday.
On this day in 1971, Bangabandhu called upon the nation to launch the struggle for independence. His stirring call to arms was recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) as part of the world’s documentary heritage in 2017.
Bangabandhu arrived at the Racecourse wearing a white punjabi with a black coat. When he took to the stage, around a million people greeted him with raucous applause and chants of “Joy Bangla.”
Once the crowd had quieted down, Bangabandhu delivered a 19-minute speech where he made a fervent appeal to the people to resist and struggle against the tyranny, exploitation, subjugation, and deprivation of the Pakistani military junta.
“Since we have learned to give blood, we shall give more of it. We shall free the people of this land by the grace of Almighty Allah,” Bangabandhu said.
“Ebarer sangram amader muktir sangram, ebarer sangram swadhinatar sangram (The struggle this time is for our emancipation, the struggle this time is for our independence),” the great leader added.
“We shall transform every house into a fortress,” he further said.
The whole nation responded spontaneously to Bangabandhu’s call with the thunderous chant: “Bir Bangali Astro Dharo, Bangladesh Swadhin Karo (Brave Bengalis, take up arms and liberate Bangladesh).”
The war began 18 days later, on March 25, when the Pakistan army launched “Operation Searchlight” to slaughter unarmed Bangladeshi civilians, intellectuals, academics, students, soldiers, policemen, EPR personnel and politicians. Bangladesh’s official declaration of independence followed shortly afterwards.
Under the direction of Bangabandhu and with the assistance of allied Indian forces, Bangladesh defeated Pakistan in the nine-month-long War of Liberation and gained independence on December 16, 1971.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages to mark the day, while various socio-cultural and political organizations as well as student and professional bodies have drawn up elaborate programs.
This year, the observance of the day is significant as the nation is celebrating the Mujib Year, which was extended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as observing the 70th anniversary of the Language Movement.
The national flag is to be hoisted at all public and private buildings in the country as well as at the nation’s diplomatic missions abroad.
Bangladesh Awami League has taken elaborate programs to observe the historic March 7 in a befitting manner. The ruling AL will hoist national and party flags atop Bangabandhu Bhaban and party offices, and place wreaths at Bangabandhu's portrait on the premises of Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi, said a press release from the party.
A discussion will be arranged at Awami League's Bangabandhu Avenue central office at 11am.
Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will chair the discussion virtually.
Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private television channels and radio stations will broadcast and telecast special programs.
