Let there be no doubt about it: March 7 is a red letter day in the history of Bangladesh, in its own way every bit as momentous as the more celebrated dates of February 21, March 26, and December 16.
Even though it would not be until 19 days later that our independence was declared and the Liberation War begun, it was from this day in 1971 that the spirit of independent Bangladesh can be said to have been born and began to take hold in the hearts and minds of the Bangladeshi people.
The march towards freedom that would culminate in victory and the birth of Bangladesh as a proud sovereign nation can be said to have begun with the legendary speech given by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Ramna Race Course on March 7, 1971.
It was this speech that captured the imagination of the people and gave full voice to the national aspirations of the Bangladeshi nation.
It was this speech that prepared the Bangladeshi people for the struggle that was to come and gave them the hope and belief that history was on their side.
It was this speech that kindled in their breast the unquenchable fire for freedom.
After March 7, there was never any turning back.
Bangabandhu’s March 7 speech is one of those rare speeches that can take their place alongside the masterpieces of oratory through the course of history: Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Martin Luther King’s I have a Dream, Nehru’s Tryst with Destiny, JFK’s first inaugural address.
Indeed, in the fact that it lit a fire that culminated in the liberation of 75 million people and the birth of a nation, one can argue that it stands alone.
Today, 45 years on, we can once again listen to those memorable words: “Aibarer shongram muktir shongram, aibarer shongram shadhinotar shongram” and feel the shivers run down our spine, and understand what it must have felt like to be in that place at that time.
Take a little time today to listen to the speech again, to marvel at its eloquence and statesmanship, to be moved by its power and persuasiveness, to feel that jolt of courage and conviction that it instilled in all who heard it.
Take a moment to take pride in the speaker, the speech, and all that came after.
March 7 is an indelible part of the story of independent Bangladesh, and we must never forget it.
