Historic Mujibnagar Day today

The historic Mujibnagar Day is being observed today, or Sunday, marking the formation of Bangladesh's first government that led the Liberation War in 1971, UNB reports.

It has started with hoisting the national flag and placing wreaths at Mujibnagar Liberation War Memorial centre at 9 am in Meherpur.

Later freedom fighters, members of police, BGB, Ansar, VDP, BNCC, scouts, girls guide, and students will participate in a gorgeous parade at the mango orchard of Mujibnagar.

This year, the government declared the day as a public holiday at Mujibnagar upazila in Meherpur district.

On the eve of the day, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages.

President Abdul Hamid urged the people of the country to perform their respective responsibilities in building the nation inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War on the eve of Mujibnagar Day.

“Through the celebration of the historic Mujibnagar Day, the present generation will be able to know the true history of the Liberation War and contribute to building ‘Sonar Bangla’ as dreamt by Bangabandhu being inspired by patriotism,” he said.

The Prime Minister called upon all to uphold the great ideals of the Father of the Nation and the spirit of the Liberation War on the 51st anniversary of Mujibnagar Day.

“Let us work together to build the hunger-poverty-free and prosperous 'Golden Bangladesh' as dreamt by the Father of the Nation by resisting all immediate conspiracies” she said in her message.

Different socio-cultural and political organisations are observing the day with elaborate programmes.

National dailies have brought out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and private radio and television channels will air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

Similar programmes at district, upazila level, and Bangladesh embassies in different countries are being arranged to highlight the significance of the Independence Day.

Senior leaders of Awami League assembled at Baidyanathtala, a mango orchard, which was later named as Mujibnagar, in Meherpur district on April 17, 1971 to form the provisional government of independent Bangladesh in the absence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was arrested and flown to Pakistan after Pakistan military had cracked down on the Bangalees on the night of March 25, 1971.

Bangabandhu was declared the first President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, while Vice-president Syed Nazrul Islam became the acting president in the absence of Bangabandhu.

Tajuddin Ahmad was appointed the first Prime Minister, while Khandoker Moshtaque Ahmed, M Mansur Ali and AHM Quamaruzzaman were named cabinet members.