Historic March 7 being observed

The historic 7th March, a memorable day in the history of Bangalees’ long arduous freedom struggle, is being observed across the country on Tuesday in a befitting manner.

In 2017, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognised the historic March 7 Speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a world documentary heritage.

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 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 freedom, the struggle this time is for independence, Joy Bangla,” Bangabandhu declared from the massive rally.

In his speech, compared with 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 Bangalee nation to join the struggle for independence from the autocratic and repressive rule of the then Pakistani military junta.

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.

The Cabinet on October 7, 2020 declared March 7 as ‘Historic Day’ instead of the ‘National Historic Day’ in a bid to observe the day nationally and internationally, commemorating the historic speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

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

The President said: “Bangabandhu’s speech on 7th March is one of the most perpetual speeches in the world.

How an address can awaken the whole nation, inspire them to participate in the war of liberation for independence, the historic 7th March Speech by Bangabandhu is its unique example.”

“The historic address of Bangabandhu on March 07 will be an eternal source of inspiration not only for us but also for freedom-loving people around the world.”

The Prime Minister said, “The world recognition of the historic 7th March speech of the Father of the Nation today is an honor and a monument of glory for the Bengali nation. I believe the 'Joy Bangla' slogan and Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's 7th March speech will inspire us to accelerate the progress of development.”