Ifaz Ehtamad ; DHAKA – Today, April 17, marks the historic Mujibnagar Day, a momentous occasion in the history of Bangladesh’s liberation struggle and the War of Independence.
On this day in 1971, the first provisional government of independent Bangladesh took its formal oath at the mango grove of Baidyanathtala in Meherpur. This site was later renamed Mujibnagar to honor the founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Under the successful leadership of this provisional government, Bangladesh achieved ultimate victory on December 16, 1971, following a nine-month bloody armed struggle.
Formation of the Government
The formal proclamation of Bangladesh as a sovereign people’s republic was made on April 10, 1971, shortly after the Pakistani occupation forces launched a brutal crackdown on unarmed Bengalis on the night of March 25.
According to the proclamation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was declared the President of the Republic, and Syed Nazrul Islam was appointed Vice-President. In the absence of Bangabandhu, Syed Nazrul Islam served as the Acting President.
The cabinet included:
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Tajuddin Ahmad: Prime Minister
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Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad: Foreign Minister
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Captain M. Mansur Ali: Finance Minister
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A.H.M. Qamaruzzaman: Home, Relief, and Rehabilitation Minister
Additionally, General M.A.G. Osmani was appointed the Commander-in-Chief of the Mukti Bahini (Liberation Forces), and Major General Abdur Rob served as the Chief of Staff.
Significance of the Day
The world first learned about the legal government leading the liberation war through a radio address by Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmad on April 11. This led to the formal oath-taking ceremony on the morning of April 17. The following day, international media gave extensive coverage to the event, marking the official emergence of the Bangladesh government.
Commemoration Events
To mark the day, the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka has organized a special program today at 5:00 PM. Professor Dr. Mohammad Fayekuzzaman of Rajshahi University will deliver a keynote speech on the formation and significance of the wartime government. The event will also feature documentaries and recitations.