Sagar Biswas :The nation is going to observe the historic March 7 today [Monday] in a befitting manner, commemorating the sparkling and mesmerizing speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.On this day in 1971, the unparallel leader of the Bangalee nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman urged the nation to take preparations for armed struggle against the Pakistani military junta, saying, “The struggle this time is for our liberation……The struggle this time is for our independence [ebarer sangram amader muktir sangram, ebarer sangram swadhinatar sangram]. Joy Bangla!” The 19-minute impromptu speech at the Suhrawardy Udyan [the then Race Course Maidan], which history evaluates as the ‘proclamation of independence’, still remains as a source of inspiration for the whole nation to fight all sorts of discrimination and repression, even after forty five years.In fact, the March 7 speech had mobilized the entire nation to join in an all-out non-cooperation movement in the then East Pakistan and also taking preparing for a bloody war against the Pakistani occupation army to achieve the ultimate victory.Except a few pro-Pakistani elements Razakars and Al-badars, the entire nation fought the Pakistani army from March 25 in 1971 till December 16 the same year while the whole world had fascinately witnessed the blood-birth of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Meanwhile, this year the day is going to be observed in a changed perspective along with the avowal of trying the war criminals involved in heinous crimes against the humanity during the ’71 Liberation War.Marking the day, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages with recalling the bold, courageous and farsighted leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in materialising the dream of ‘Sonar Bangla’ through the speech of March 7.The ruling Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also called upon the countrymen to work with united efforts to ensure development of the country.The national and party flags will be hoisted at 6:30 am and wreaths will be placed at the portrait of Bangabandhu on the premises of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at 7:00 am.The AL is going to orchestrate a massive showdown today [Monday] at Shikha Chiranton [the venue from where Bangabandhu delivered his historic speech in 1971] apparently with a view to show-off its strength. The grand rally will be addressed by party President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as chief guest. Besides, different associate organizations of the party, including Mohila Awami League, Awami Jubo League, Jubo Mohila League, Krishak League, Bangladesh Chhatra League, Sramik League, Sechchhasebak League and Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote, and various other socio-cultural bodies have also chalked out elaborate programmes marking the day.The state-run Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private TV and radio stations will air special programmes and national dailies will publish different articles focusing the significance of the day.The historic speech of Bangabandhu along with patriotic songs will be played through loudspeakers in the capital as well as across the country marking the day, according to officials. AL General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam, in a statement, asked the party’s rank and file to take necessary preparation in a bid to make the historic March 7 mass rally a success with the cooperation of pro-liberation forces.
