The Pakistani Army launched its “Operation Search Light” on 25 March 1971 hoping to scare the freedom-seeking Bengalis, but it boomeranged. After Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s 7 March speech and declaration of Independence on 26 March 1971 the Bengalis defied the Pakistanis much to their surprise.
The war for independence started which ended in our victory in an unprecedented nine months. The Royal Bengal Tigers roared!
Then came a historic day—17 April 1971. It is marked as the Mujibnagar Day, ignored by pro-Pakistani regimes in independent Bangladesh. It is the day the foundation of a nation to be born was laid down with the formation of Bangladesh’s first government.
On this day we remember with a great honour Bangabandhu and his able lieutenants – Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, Captain M Mansur Ali and AHM Qamruzzaman. Our four national leaders played an historic role and guided the war aimed at defeating the rampaging Pakistanis and their collaborators.
The government at Baidhyanath Tala in Bangladesh’s Meherpur district endorsed Bangabandhu’s proclamation of independence to the chanting of Joy Bangla by the mainly untrained, but patriotic Freedom Fighters. Salute to them also on this historic day.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was declared the first president of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, while Syed Nazrul Islam was appointed the acting president in the absence of Bangabandhu. Tajuddin Ahmed was appointed as the first prime minister, Capt M Mansur Ali and AHM Qamaruzzaman were named as cabinet members Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the day will also be marked in a subdued way, but wherever we are, we can pay our homage to our great leaders and Freedom Fighters.
Above all we must pledge today not to permit the pillars of our foundation be attacked by any force, inside or outside Bangladesh.❐
