The nation is observing the historic 7th March, a Red-letter day in the history of the Bangalees’ long arduous freedom struggle, today (Monday).

On this day in 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered his epoch-making speech of independence at the then Race Course Maidan, now Suhrawardy Udyan, in Dhaka.

In his 19-minute extempore speech, Bangabandhu said “Ebarer sangram amader muktir sangram, ebarer sangram swadhinatar sangram (The struggle this time is a struggle for emancipation, the struggle this time is a struggle for independence)”.

According to political analysts, the March 7 speech of Bangabandhu was not only a call for the Bangalee nation to fight for freedom, it was rather a direction for all nations.

In the speech, Bangabandhu called for the freedom of the country and gave the nation the roadmap for achieving the independence of Bangladesh. 

This year the observance of the day will be more significant as the nation is going to celebrate the golden jubilee of the country's independence on March 26, while 'Mujib Year', the yearlong celebration of Bangabandhu's birth centenary, is going on.

On October 30 in 2017, UNESCO recognised the historic speech as part of the world's documentary heritage as the landmark fiery speech of Bangabandhu inspired the Bengalees to prepare for the War of Liberation in 1971.

To mark the day, different socio-cultural and political organisations, student and professional bodies have drawn up elaborate programmes, including laying wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu and holding discussions with maintaining health guidelines amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
 
The government has made national flag hoisting at all public and private buildings in the country and its diplomatic missions abroad compulsory on the historic 7 March from this year.
 
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Awami League (AL) has taken elaborate programmes to observe the historic March 7 in a befitting manner. The party hoisted national and party flags atop Bangabandhu Bhaban and party offices, placed wreaths at Bangabandhu's portrait on the premises of Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi.
 
Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television as well as private television channels and radio stations broadcast and telecast special programmes while national dailies bring out special supplements marking the auspicious occasion.

BDST: 1130 HRS, MAR 07, 2022
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