The nation observes the historic 7 March, a date that etched itself into the annals of history in 1971 when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered a speech at the then Ramna Racecourse Maidan, now known as Suhrawardy Udyan.
That speech remains a cornerstone of Bengali nationalism and the quest for liberation.
Addressing a sea of millions at the Maidan, Sheikh Mujib declared, “This time's struggle is our struggle for liberation, this time's struggle is the struggle for independence.”
This proclamation resonated deeply, sparking the collective spirit of the nation and laying the foundation for the independence movement.
In 2017, UNESCO recognised the speech as a historical document, cementing its significance in the global memory of political struggles.
Sheikh Mujib’s words were not just a call to arms but also a blueprint for the future.
He reflected on the enduring struggles of the Bengali people, offering clear guidance on the path ahead.
Less than three weeks later, the declaration of independence was made, and Bangladesh embarked on its nine-month-long armed liberation war, ultimately emerging victorious in 1971.
The Awami League, the political party led by Sheikh Mujib, has since commemorated this pivotal day annually with various programs. In times when the party held power, state-level celebrations marked the occasion.
However, this year’s observance takes place against a markedly different political backdrop.
Following a massive student-led uprising on 5 August of the previous year, the Awami League government fell, leading to the exile of Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Mujib's daughter, who fled to India.
She remains in India, while many of the party’s senior leaders find themselves either in hiding or incarcerated.
The political landscape may have shifted, but the legacy of 7 March 1971 remains deeply embedded in the nation’s soul, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made for the independence that followed.