Historic Mujibnagar Day today

The historic Mujibnagar Day will be observed today, marking the formation of Bangladesh's first government that led the Liberation War in 1971.

The day will begin with hoisting the national flag and placing wreaths at Mujibnagar Liberation War Memorial center at 9 am in Meherpur.

Later, freedom fighters, members of police force, BGB, Ansar and VDP, BNCC, scouts, girls' guide, and students will participate in a gorgeous parade at the mango orchard of Mujibnagar.

At 10 am, the ballad 'Jal Mati O Manush' will be screened at Mujibnagar. Later, a discussion meeting will be held at 10:45 am at the Sheikh Hasina stage in Mujibnagar highlighting the significance of this day.

Marking the day, the president and prime minister will issue separate messages.

Besides, different socio-cultural and political organisations will observe the day with elaborate programmes.

National dailies will bring out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and private radio and television channels will air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

The day is a public holiday at Mujibnagar Upazila in Meherpur district.

Similar programmes at district, upazila level, and Bangladesh embassies in different countries will be arranged to highlight the importance of the day.

Senior leaders of Awami League assembled at Baidyanathtala, a mango orchard, which was later named as Mujibnagar, in Meherpur district on April 17, 1971 to form the provisional government of independent Bangladesh in the absence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who was arrested and flown to Pakistan after Pakistan military had cracked down on the Bangalees on the night of March 25, 1971.

Bangabandhu was declared the first President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, while Vice-president Syed Nazrul Islam became the acting president in the absence of Bangabandhu.

Tajuddin Ahmad was appointed the first Prime Minister, while Khandoker Moshtaque Ahmed, M Mansur Ali and AHM Quamaruzzaman were named cabinet members.

The interim government named General MAG Osmani as commander-in-chief of Mukti Bahini while appointed Major General Abdur Rob as chief of staff.

 The provisional government gave successful leadership to the War of Liberation for achieving victory on December 16.