UNB, Dhaka :
The historic Mujibnagar Day was observed on Thursday marking the formation of Bangladesh’s first government to lead the War of Liberation in 1971. The ruling Awami League, its associate bodies and different other political parties observed the day with elaborate programmes.
The ruling party started its programme with the hoisting of the national and party flags in the morning.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid glowing homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing a floral wreath at the portrait of the great leader at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the morning.
Senior leaders of Awami League assembled at Baidyanathtala in Meherpur on April 17 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 cracked down on the Bengalees on the night of March 25, 1971. Baidyanathtala, then a mango orchard, was later named as Mujibnagar.
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 and appointed Major General Abdur Rob as the chief of staff.
Leaders and activists of AL placed wreaths at the graves of Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad and M Mansur Ali at Banani Graveyard and at the grave of AHM Quamaruzzaman in Rajshahi.
The leaders of the ruling party also placed wreaths at the Memorial Monument at Mujibnagar at 11am.
Later, the party organised a public rally in Mujibnagar at Sheikh Hasina Mancha where Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu spoke as the chief guest while Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed as a special guest with Health Minister Mohammad Nasim in the chair.
The ruling Awami League also arranged a rally in the capital in the afternoon.
Sector Commanders Forum also held a discussion on the occasion at Liberation War Museum in the capital.
