Bangladesh observes historic March 7

Bangabandhu delivers his historic 7 March speech.

Dhaka, Mar 7 – Historic March 7, a memorable day in Beangalis’ long arduous freedom struggle, is being observed across the country on Monday in a befitting manner.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered the historic March 7 speech before a sea of people in Dhaka galvanising the Bangalees to take up arms for the 1971 War of Liberation.

In 2017, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) recognised the historic March 7 Speech of Father of the Nation as a world documentary heritage.

On October 7 of 2020, the Cabinet declared March 7 as ‘Historic Day’ instead of the ‘National Historic Day’ so the day is observed nationally and internationally.

On this day in 1971, Bangabandhu, the undisputed leader of Bangalees, had delivered his epoch-making speech of independence before a mammoth rally at the historic Racecourse Maidan, now Suhrawardy Udyan, in Dhaka city.

In his 19-minute, 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, Bangabandhu said: “Since we have learnt how to give blood, we'll sacrifice more blood. Insha Allah, the people of this country must be liberated...turn every house into a fortress. Face (the enemy) with whatever you have.”

His speech worked like a magic spell inspiring the entire Bangalee nation to join the struggle for independence from the autocratic and repressive rule of the then Pakistani military junta.

Marking the day, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday paid rich tributes to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the capital at 7:00am.

After placing the wreath, she stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of independence.

Hasina released a commemorative postage stamp, a first-day cover and a data card marking the historic March 7.

Earlier,  President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages recalling with gratitude the courageous and farsighted leadership of Bangabandhu in materialising the nation's journey to freedom through his March 7 Speech.. - UNB