The historic Mujibnagar Day was observed on Monday in a befitting manner with various programmes taken by the government, ruling Awami League (AL) and different socio-cultural organisations in capital Dhaka and elsewhere in the country.
Following the Pakistan army's attack on unarmed Bangalees on the black night of March 25 in 1971 and declaration of the nation’s independence by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, senior leaders of AL assembled at Baidyanathtala in Meherpur on April 17 to form the provisional government of independent Bangladesh.
Baidyanathtala, mainly a mango orchard, was later named Mujibnagar after ceremonial formation of the provisional government of Bangladesh.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was declared the first President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, while Syed Nazrul Islam was appointed the acting President in the absence of Bangabandhu.
Tajuddin Ahmad was appointed the first Prime Minister, while Capt. M Mansur Ali and AHM Qamaruzzaman were named as cabinet members, among others.
The interim government appointed General MAG Osmani commander-in-chief of Mukti Bahini while Major General Abdur Rob the chief of staff.
The provisional government gave successful leadership to the Liberation War for achieving final victory against the Pakistan occupation forces on December 16.
Marking the historic day, the ruling Awami League and different social and political organisations on Monday paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid respect to Bangabandhu by placing a wreath at his portrait at Dhanmondi 32 in capital Dhaka.
After laying the wreath, the premier stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of the nation’s independence.
Later, flanked by senior leaders of her party, Sheikh Hasina, also the AL President, placed another wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu as the party chief.
AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, AL presidium members Begum Matia Chowdhury, Shajahan Khan, among others, were present on the occasion.
Afterwards, different affiliated organisations of the AL, including Bangladesh Chhatra League, Krisak League and Dhaka South and North city units of the AL, placed wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu.
The AL leaders and activists also placed wreaths at the graves of Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad and M Mansur Ali at Banani Graveyard in Dhaka.
Besides, AL Presidium Member Quazi Jafar Ullah attended a function organised at Mujibnagar as the chief guest.
Awami League Presidium Member AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, Joint General Secretary Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq, also spoke at the function as special guests.
The function was presided over by AL Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim. AL Organizing Secretary BM Mozammel Huq moderated the function.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs observed the day through elaborated programmes.
As per the ministry programmes, musical drama 'Jal Mati O Manush' was screened in Mujibnagar at 10:00am. A discussion was held at 10:45am at Sheikh Hasina Mancha in Mujibnagar highlighting the significance of the day.
On the occasion, Monday was a public holiday in Mujibnagar upazila of Meherpur district. Newspapers published special supplements while Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television and private TV channels aired different programmes highlighting the significance of the day.
Bangladesh missions abroad also organised similar programmes highlighting the importance of Mujibnagar Day.
