The nation is observing the historic March 7, commemorating the landmark speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which was touted as an indirect declaration of the country’s independence in 1971.
This year the observance of the day is significant as the nation is celebrating ‘Mujib Year’ as well as observing the 70 years of the Language Movement.
On October 30 in 2017, UNESCO recognized the historic speech as part of the world’s documentary heritage as the landmark fiery speech of Bangabandhu inspired the Bengalees to prepare for the War of Liberation in 1971.
It has been included in the Memory of the World International Register, a list of the world’s important documentary heritage maintained by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
On March 7, Bangabandhu in his historic speech at a mammoth rally in the then ‘Race Course Maidan’, now Suhrawardy Udyan, in the city directed the freedom-loving Bangalees for waging a decisive struggle against the Pakistani occupation forces.
In his extempore speech from 4:23 pm before millions of people of former East Pakistan, Bangabandhu in unequivocal term said, “We spilled our blood ... we are ready to shed more blood, the people of the country shall be freed, Inshallah!”
“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 and the greatest Bangalee of all times went on to add.
The people were overwhelmed and imbued with the spirit of Bangabandhu’s unparalleled speech of independence regarded only as compared with the Gettysburg Speech of slain US President Abraham Lincoln.
Marking the day, different socio-cultural and political organizations, student and professional bodies have drawn up elaborate programs, including laying wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu and holding discussions with maintaining health guidelines amid the coronavirus situation.
The national flag has been hoisted at all public and private buildings in the country and diplomatic missions abroad on the historic March 7 as per the government’s decision.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Awami League has taken elaborate programs to observe the historic March 7 in a befitting manner.
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