Shawdesh desk:

The nation is observing historic Mujibnagar Day today commemorating the oath-taking event of the provisional government of Bangladesh at Baidyanathtala in Meherpur under greater Kushtia district in 1971.

The historic development came on this day in 1971, 22 days after the proclamation of independence by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the early hours of March 26.

Bangabandhu declared the independence after Pakistani forces carried out a crackdown on unarmed Bangalees on the night of March 25.

On April 10, 1971, the provisional government was formed with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the president, Syed Nazrul Islam as vice-president, Tajuddin Ahmad as prime minister, Khandker Mustaque Ahmad as foreign minister, Capt (retd) M Mansur Ali as finance minister and AHM Qamaruzzaman as home minister.

It was also decided that Syed Nazrul Islam will perform as the acting president in the absence of Bangabandhu.

Colonel (retd) Ataul Ghani Osmani, a member of the National Assembly, was made commander-in-chief while Colonel (retd) Abdur Rob made chief of staff of Mukti Bahini.

Bangabandhu was taken captive by Pakistani army soon after his declaration of independence. Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmad led the country’s War of Independence.

Baidyanathtala, which witnessed the formation of the provisional government, was later renamed Mujibnagar after the name of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who inspired the nation to fight for independence.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages urging the people to work together for building a non-communal, hunger- and poverty-free, developed and prosperous ‘Sonar Bangla’ as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

In his message, President Hamid extended his heartiest greetings and congratulations to the country’s people and all Bangladeshis staying abroad on the occasion.

With the formation of the Mujibnagar government, a constitutional government had appeared to administer the Liberation War under the leadership of the representatives elected by the people in the 1970 election, he said.

Hamid said the role that the Mujibnagar government had played to garner public opinion, refugee management and formulate war strategies will remain as a unique chapter of glory in the history of the Bangalees’ struggle for independence.

He expressed his optimism that through the observance of the Mujibnagar Day, the new generation will be able to know the country’s true history and be encouraged to contribute to building a ‘Sonar Bangla’ as dreamt by Bangabandhu.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged all to uphold the spirit of the country’s independence and the ideals of the Father of Nation.

She also called upon them to work together to build hunger -and poverty-free, developed and prosperous ‘Sonar Bangla’ as dreamt by Father of the Nation by resisting all sorts of conspiracies.

Marking the day, various socio-cultural organisations will hold virtual discussions and meetings while similar programmes will be held at district and upazila levels and also at Bangladesh embassies abroad.

Awami League leaders and activists placed wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bangabandhu Bhaban in the capital on the occasion.

National and party flags were hoisted atop at Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi and party offices across the country at 6:00am. The national flag was also hoisted at Mujibnagar.

A delegation of Awami League will also place a wreath at the Mujibnagar Memorial at 10:00am.

A discussion will be held at 10:30am at Sheikh Hasina Mancha in Mujibnagar on the occasion.

Newspapers published special supplements while Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television and private TV channels are airing different programmes highlighting the significance of the day.