Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan-File Photo

By Rumana Jaman

DHAKA, March 25, 2026 (BSS) - Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan today said the historic proclamation of independence by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in 1971 provided direction to a bewildered Bengali nation.

“It played a key role in inspiring 75 million Bengalis during the great Liberation War,” he said in an exclusive interview with BSS today.

Recalling the critical days of 1971, Azam Khan said, “The voice that was broadcast on March 26, 1971 from the Kalurghat radio station acted as a powerful catalyst for a directionless nation, inspiring people to join the war out of love for their motherland.”

In an emotional tone, the minister added, “In the pre-liberation period, small transistor radios were the main source of news. It was through these devices that the message of the nation’s liberation and the declaration of independence, voiced by Ziaur Rahman, reached the people.”

He said beyond March 26, 27, and 28, the echo of that declaration continued to be heard throughout the nine months of the war from the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra in Ziaur Rahman’s thunderous voice.

For the freedom fighters engaged in the people’s war, this declaration became a symbol of strength and inspiration, he said. Moreover, it served as strategic guidance that fostered remarkable unity and courage among people across the country, said the minister.

He said the proclamation of independence by Ziaur Rahman had become a source of confidence in the hearts of the then 75 million people.

The powerful message of independence reached every household, instilling in ordinary people the belief that the time had come to stand up and confront the Pakistani occupation forces, the minister said.

 Therefore, in the history of the Liberation War, this declaration was not merely a beginning, but an indispensable part on the path to ultimate victory.