DHAKA, Mar 6, 2022 (BSS) - President M Abdul Hamid has said the 7th March is an unforgettable day in the history of Bangalee's liberation movement and independence as on this day in 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered an epic speech in a thunderous voice in the then Race Course Maidan, which was the charter of independence of the Bengali nation.

 "On the occasion of the 'Historic 7th March' I remember with deep respect the architect of our Independence, the greatest Bangalee of all time Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as his immense courage, boundless sacrifice, courageous leadership and right guidance led the nation in achieving country's independence," said the president in a message on the eve of the historic 7th March. 

He said although Awami League bagged absolute majority in the general election of 1970, the Pakistani ruling party resorted to dilly-dallying tactic in handing over power. Under the leadership of Bangabandhu the non-cooperation movement started on March 1 and in continuation of the agitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered a historic speech at the mammoth gathering in the Race Course Maidan by ignoring the then Pakistani ruler, he added.

"In that effulgent speech, with his unique eloquence and political wisdom, Bangabandhu united the emotions, dreams and aspirations of the Bangalees and declared in a thunderous voice -'The struggle this time is the struggle for emancipation, the struggle this time is the struggle for independence", he said.
 
He called upon the people to form 'Sangram Parishad' under the leadership of Awami League in every village and mahalla and get ready with whatever they had. 

At the beginning of this historic speech, Bangabandhu touched the history of Bengal during the 23 years of misrule of Pakistan, he said, adding, the great leader made a fervent appeal to the roaring people from all walks of life to make preparations for armed struggle against the tyranny, exploitation, subjugation and deprivation by Pakistani military junta with whatever they possessed and transformed every house into a fortress. 

He said UNESCO has recognized the 7th March Speech of Bangabandhu as part of the 'World's Documentary Heritage' and included it in the 'Memory of the World International Register' on 30th October 2017. 

"This is our great achievement as Bangalees. The world-renowned magazine Newsweek in its Issue on 5th April in 1971 termed Bangabandhu as the 'Poet of Politics' for this historic address. The historic address of Bangabandhu on March 7 will be an eternal source of inspiration not only for us but also for freedom-loving people around the world," said the president. 

Abdul Hamid said Bangabandhu's lifetime dream was to turn the independent-sovereign Bangladesh into a happy and prosperous 'Golden Bangla'. 

"We must continue our efforts to fulfill that dream of our great leader. After going through many ups and downs, Bangladesh is now a developing country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has undertaken 'Vision 2041' to make Bangladesh a developed and rich country by 2041," he added.