The historic March 7, a memorable day in the history of long arduous freedom struggle of the Bangalis, will be observed on Thursday with elaborate programs.
In 2017, Unesco recognized the historic March 7 speech by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a world documentary heritage.
On this day in 1971, Bangabandhu, the undisputed leader of Bangalis, had delivered his epoch-making speech of independence before a mammoth rally at the then Racecourse Maidan, now Suhrawardy Udyan, in Dhaka.
In his 19-minute extempore before a million people, Bangabandhu had made a clarion call for a non-cooperation movement asking the nation to prepare for the war of independence to liberate the country from the exploitative Pakistan regime.
"The struggle this time is for freedom, the struggle this time is for independence, Joy Bangla," Bangabandhu declared from the massive rally.
In his speech, compared with US President Abraham Lincoln's historic Gettysburg speech, Bangabandhu said: "Since we have learnt to give blood, we will give more blood. Insha Allah [if God willing], the people of this country must be liberated...Turn every house into a fort. Face [the enemy] with whatever you have."
His speech worked like a magic spell inspiring the entire Bangali nation to join in the struggle for independence from the autocratic and repressive rule of the then Pakistani military junta.
Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages recalled with gratitude the courageous and farsighted leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in materializing the nation's journey to freedom through his March 7 speech.
In a message, the president said: "Bangabandhu's dream was to turn Bangladesh into 'Sonar Bangla'. We should take steps to fulfil the dream of the Father of the Nation."
In her message, the prime minister said: "The historic speech of the Father of the Nation was the source of the immeasurable strength during the Liberation War. The everlasting speech will inspire the deprived, engrossed and freedom seeking people of the world."
Sheikh Hasina will pay homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing wreaths at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi at 7am today.
She also will attend a discussion at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at 3:30pm.
Awami League and different socio-political and cultural organizations have chalked out elaborate programs to observe the day in a befitting manner.
The ruling party will also hold a public rally at Suhrawardy Udyan to mark the occasion.
Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television as well as private television channels and radio stations will air special programs while national dailies will publish supplements marking the day.
