The historic March 7, a memorable day in the nation’s long arduous freedom struggle, will be observed on Monday in a befitting manner.
The day is observed to draw renewed inspiration from the timeless speech Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered before of 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 the 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 day is observed at nationally and internationally.
On this day in 1971, Bangabandhu, the undisputed leader of Bangalees, had delivered his epoch-making speech of independence at the then-Racecourse Maidan, now Suhrawardy Udyan, in Dhaka city.
In his 19-minute extempore speech before a million freedom-loving 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 our freedom, the struggle this time is for independence, Joy Bangla,” Bangabandhu declared from the massive rally.
In his speech, often compared to US President Abraham Lincoln’s historic Gettysburg speech, Bangabandhu said: “Since we have learnt to give blood, we’ll give more blood. Insha Allah, 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 nation to join the struggle for independence from the autocratic and repressive rule of the then Pakistani military junta.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday will join a programme on “Historic March 7, 2022” at Bangabandhu International Conference Center virtually.
Awami League and different socio-political and cultural organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes on the occasion.
Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television as well as private television channels and radio stations will air special programmes while national dailies will publish supplements marking the day.
Meanwhile, President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have 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.
In a message, the President said: “The historic address of Bangabandhu on March 7 will be an eternal source of inspiration not only for us but also for freedom-loving people around the world.”
President Hamid said, Bangabandhu’s lifetime dream was to turn the independent-sovereign Bangladesh into a happy and prosperous ‘Golden Bangla’. “We must continue our efforts to fulfil that dream of our great leader.”
He also urged all regardless of their political view to contribute to the implementation of the ‘Vision 2041’, to make Bangladesh a developed and rich country by 2041, adopted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In her message, the prime minister said: “The worldwide recognition of the historic March 7 speech of the Father of the Nation is a rare honour and pride for the Bengali nation today.”
Hasina said, “Last year, we celebrated the golden jubilee of this great speech of March 7 and our independence. This year we are celebrating 70 years of language movement and the Mujib Barsha.”
The PM said, “Bangladesh has gained recognition in the world today as a role model of development as a result of the initiatives taken by our government.”
She also urged all to follow the great ideal of the Father of the Nation and pledge to build his dream ‘Sonar Bangladesh’.
Source: United News of Bangladesh