DHAKA, March 7, 2020 (BSS) – The nation is observing the historic March 7
commemorating the landmark speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman which
was touted as indirect declaration of the country’s independence in 1971.
Different socio-cultural and political organizations, student and
professional bodies chalked out elaborate programmes including laying wreaths
at the portrait of Bangabandhu and holding discussions and rallies to mark
the day.
The ruling Awami League hoisted national and party flags atop the
Bangabandhu Bhaban and party offices on the occasion.
Party leaders and workers placed wreaths at Bangabandhu’s portrait on the
Bangabandhu Bhaban premises at Dhanmondi this morning.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman by placing a wreath at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu
Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the city this morning on the occasion of the
historic March 7.
After laying the wreath, she stood in solemn silence for sometime as a mark
of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of the
independence.
Flanked by central leaders of the party, Sheikh Hasina, also the president
of Bangladesh Awami League (AL), placed another wreath at the portrait of the
Father of the Nation on behalf of her party.
AL Advisory Council member Amir Hossain Amu, Presidium members Begum Matia
Chowdhury, Advocate Sahara Khatun, Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Faruk Khan, Dr
Md Abdur Razzaque, Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Shahjahan Khan, AL General
Secretary Obaidul Quader, Joint General Secretaries Mahbubul Alam Hanif,
Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni and Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud,
Organizing Secretaries Ahmed Hossain, Mirza Azam and Afjal Hossain and
Cultural Affairs Secretary Asim Kumar Ukil were present on the occasion,
among others.
Later, the leaders and workers of Awami League’s associate bodies,
including Awami Jubo League, Chhatra League, Mahila Awami League, Sramik
League, Krishak League, Jubo Mohila League and Swechchhasebok League, also
paid homage to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his portrait on the
occasion.
Besides, Bangabandhu Parishad, Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote, Muktijoddha
Kendrio Command Council, Sammilita Sangskritik Jote, Bangladesh Tanti League,
Bangabandhu Soinik League, Sheikh Russel Shishu Sangha, Awami Sangskritik
Forum, Dhaka Bar Association and Muktijoddha Sanghati Parishad also paid
homage to Bangabandhu.
A discussion will be arranged at the Bangabandhu International Conference
Centre (BICC) auditorium at 3.30pm.
Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will chair the
discussion while party leaders and distinguished personalities will address
it.
Awami League and associated bodies also arranged rallies highlighting the
significance of the day in all wards, unions, pourasabhas, upazilas and
districts as the Bangabandhu’s March 7 speech is being played with loud
speaker.
The Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television as well as private
television channels and radio stations are broadcasting special programmes
while national dailies brought out special supplements marking the auspicious
occasion.
The landmark speech inspired the Bangalees to prepare for a war of
independence.
The Liberation War began 18 days later, when the Pakistan Army launched
“Operation Searchlight” against unarmed Bangalee civilians, intellectuals,
students, politicians, and armed personnel.
On October 30 in 2017, the UNESCO recognised the historic speech as a part
of the world’s documentary heritage.
It has been included in the Memory of the World International Register, a
list of world’s important documentary heritage maintained by the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).