Dhaka Bureau: Today, March 7, is a historical date. On this day in 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman called for the freedom struggle of Bangladesh in the presence of millions of freedom-seeking people (present-day Suhrawardy Udyan).
On that day, Bangabandhu said, “This struggle is our liberation struggle; this struggle is a struggle for freedom. When I have given blood, I will give more blood, and I will free the people of this country, God willing.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic speech on March 7, 1971, became the seed mantra of the freedom struggle. Then came the armed liberation war, a 9-month struggle, and independence. This speech is not only a political document but also creates the possibility of a cultural identity for the nation.
On October 30, 2017, Bangabandhu’s historic March 7 speech was recognized as a World Documentary Heritage by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Also, this speech has been translated into many languages around the world.
In 1970, the Awami League won an absolute majority in the Pakistani National Assembly elections. But Pakistan’s military regime indulged in conspiracies without handing over power to the victorious Bengalis. The then President of Pakistan, General Yahya Khan, convened a session of the National Assembly on March 3, 1971. But unexpectedly, on March 1, the session was adjourned indefinitely. The people of East Pakistan erupted in protest against this incident. The Awami League led a hartal on March 2 and 3 across the country. In this background, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave the historic speech at Race Course Maidan on March 7.
Bangabandhu’s passionate declaration on March 7 gave the Bengali nation the direction of independence. After that, the freedom-loving people of the country started preparing for the final fight from house to house. Bangabandhu’s Vajroninada made the Bengali nation excited with the joy of impending liberation. Exploited and deprived for ages, Bengali Ispat moves forward with fierce determination towards the desired liberation.
Bangabandhu said, “My brothers, I don’t want the prime ministership; I want people’s rights. Couldn’t take me because of the greed of the prime ministership. Could not hang on the gallows. You freed me from the conspiracy case with blood. I said on this race course that day that I would repay the blood debt with blood. Today I am ready to repay the debt of blood with blood.
Meanwhile, the historical March 7 will be observed through various programs in the country. The day is being celebrated as a national holiday for the second time. On the occasion of the day, President Md. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages. Various political parties and organizations, including the ruling Awami League, have adopted the program.
