The nation on Thursday observed the historic March 7 in a befitting manner, commemorating the landmark speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which was touted as an indirect declaration of the country's independence in 1971.
Awami League and different social, cultural and political organizations today paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing floral wreaths at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi here, marking the historic March 7.
To mark the day, a joyful environment was created on the premises of the Bhaban at Dhanmondi road No-32 where people from all walks gathered with enthusiasm for paying respect to Bangabandhu.
Ruling Awami League and its different associate bodies, leaders, workers and supporters of different political, social and cultural organizations gathered around the Bangabandhu Bhaban for paying homage to the memory of Bangabandhu.
Awami League and its associate bodies activists who came from different cities started to gather on the east and western side of Dhanmondi road No-32 in processions since 6:30 am.
Dhanmondi road-32 and its adjacent areas were flooded with cross section of people before 7am.
Several thousand men and women recalled the great leader of the Bangalee nation with deepest respect through placing floral wreaths at the portrait of Father of the Nation kept in front of Bangabandhu Bhaban.
Marking the day, the ruling AL hoisted national and party flags atop Bangabandhu Bhaban and party offices at 6:30 am.
Prior to this, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed floral wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu at 7am. The Prime Minister stood in solemn silence in front of the portrait for a while as a mark of respect.
Later, the Awami League chief, Sheikh Hasina, along with the party’s central leaders, placed a floral wreath at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on behalf the party.
Later, people from all walks of life, including leaders, workers, and supporters of Awami League Dhaka north and south city units and associate bodies, also placed floral wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu.
Leaders and workers of the Bangladesh Chhatro League, Awami Jubo League, Bangladesh Krishak League, Awami Swechasebak League, Mohila Awami League, Jubo Mohila League, and Jatiya Sramik League also placed floral wreaths at the portrait of the great leader.
Besides, Bangabandhu Parishad, Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote, Muktijoddah Central Command Council, Sammilito Sangskritik Jote, Bangladesh Tanti League, Bangabandhu Sainik League, Sheikh Russel Shishu Sangha, Awami Sangskritik Forum, Bangladesh Water Development Sramik-Karmachari League, Muktijoddah Sanghati Parishad, Awami Shilpi Gosthi, and Dhaka Lawyers Association paid respect to the portrait of Bangabandhu.
Marking the day, a discussion was held at AL’s Dhaka District Office in the city’s Tejgaon at 4pm. Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina chaired the discussion.
Besides, the Cultural Affairs Ministry organized a discussion marking the day at the Osmani Smriti auditorium in Dhaka.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the discussion as the chief guest.
Secretary of Cultural Affairs Ministry Khalil Ahmed gave the welcome address.
Islamic Foundation organized a discussion and a special munajat at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque to mark the day.
Besides, all divisional and district offices of the Islamic Foundation, 54 Islamic Missions and 8 Imam Training Academy organized discussions and doa mahfils marking the day.
On March 7 in 1971, the great leader Sheikh Mujib, the architect of independent Bangladesh, in his historic address at a mammoth rally at the then Race Course (now Suhrawardy Udyan), directed the freedom-loving Bangalees to wage a decisive struggle against the then Pakistan occupation forces.