Bangladesh
Independence Month Month of independence commences today
Dhaka, March 1: Today is the first day of Independence Month. This month witnessed the history of Bengali freedom struggle. The great war of independence began in this month of 1971 as a result of intense movement. The non-cooperation movement started in March 1971 under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The armed liberation war began in the final phase of the long 23-year movement against the Pakistani forces.
After a long nine-month bloody war, an independent sovereign state called Bangladesh emerged on the world map. Although independent Bangladesh was established on March 26, 1971, the final movement started on March 1, 1971.
March has come in the life of Bengalis in a different environment year after year. This March will be celebrated in a different way. This is the golden jubilee of the country's independence. Officially, it will be celebrated with pomp and ceremony throughout the year including March.
The pro-liberation forces including different political parties will carry out different programs. The celebration of the golden jubilee of independence will end on December 16. The Mujib Year program announced by the government on the occasion of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will also end on the same day.
On March 1, 1971, the situation in the whole country was tensed. The then President of Pakistan Yahya Khan announced the adjournment of the March 3rd Constituent Assembly in a radio address. He said the decision was taken because the People's Party, a major party in Pakistan, and several other parties had expressed a desire not to attend the March 3 session of the National Assembly. As soon as the announcement was broadcast on the radio, the capital Dhaka erupted into violent protests.
At that time cricket match between Pakistan and World XI was going on at the then Dhaka Stadium (now Bangabandhu Stadium). With the announcement of Yahya Khan, the spectators left the game. By then, thousands of people had started protesting in Paltan-Gulistan. That movement eventually turned into a freedom movement.
Bangabandhu held a meeting with senior leaders of Awami League at Purbani Hotel regarding the situation. Muhurmuhu slogans are going on outside demanding the strict action of the agitated Bengalis. After the meeting, Bangabandhu called for a general strike in Pakistan on March 2 and 3 and a public meeting on March 7 at the then Racecourse Maidan (now Suhrawardy Udyan).
