The nation celebrates the 53rd Independence and National Day today (Saturday). Every year on March 26, Bangalis commemorate their country’s independence from Pakistan rule in 1971. It is the most precious day of the nation as the March 26 is the day of establishing self-identity of the country’s people and breaking the shackles of subjugation as well.
On this august occasion we are also recalling with deep respect our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, four national leaders, valiant freedom-fighters, organisers, supporters and countrymen who had immense contributions and sacrifices to attain our independence. We also recall with gratitude our foreign friends who had extended their whole-hearted support and cooperation for the cause of our liberation.
Today, Bangladesh has emerged as one of Asia’s most prosperous and resilient nations and it would be a “world wonder” with its spectacular development.
We must work together to
transform Bangladesh into
a safe and peaceful place
for our next generation
In the wake of the military crackdown, at the first hour of March 26, 1971 Bangabandhu, proclaimed the independence of Bangladesh through telegrams, tele-printers and EPR wireless at his historic Road-32 residence at Dhanmondi in capital Dhaka, spreading the message all over the country. Every year, the March 26 brings the most tragic reminiscence of the history’s blackest episode that heralded a nine-month bloody ordeal from the night of March 25, 1971, achieving the long-cherished independence on December 16 the same year at the cost of a sea of blood.
The declaration was first broadcast by Awami League leader MA Hannan from Kalurghat Radio Station in port city of Chattagram on March 26, 1971. The Pakistani military junta in their monstrous outburst unleashed a bloody holocaust breaking the silence of the night following March 25 in 1971 when they mercilessly killed hundreds of innocent sleeping Bangalis, including teachers, students, police, soldiers, pedestrians and rickshaw-pullers in capital Dhaka and many other parts of the country. The nation soon launched the War of Liberation at the call of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the early hours of March 26.
Bangladesh has graduated from the LDCs and none would now be able to label Bangladesh as a “poor” or “extreme poor” country. Being imbued with the spirit of the War of Independence, we all have to work to develop our country in order to transform it into a safe and peaceful home for our next generation. Also, we all must build up strong resistance against the anti-liberation forces who are still conspiring to create chaos in the country.
Country’s people must have firm determination of building a ‘Sonar Bangla’ as dreamt by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with collective efforts alongside upholding the spirit of independence achieved in exchange for the three million martyrs and two million abused mothers and sisters.