Mujibnagar Day today

The historic Mujibnagar Day will be observed today marking the oath-taking ceremony of Bangladesh’s first government on April 17, 1971.

Following the Pakistan army’s genocide on unarmed Bangalees on the black night of March 25 in 1971, senior leaders of Awami League assembled at Baidyanathtala in Meherpur on April 17 to form the provisional government of independent Bangladesh.

Baidyanathtala, mainly a mango orchard, was later named Mujibnagar after ceremonial formation of the provisional government of Bangladesh.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was declared the first president of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, while Syed Nazrul Islam was appointed as the acting president in the absence of Bangabandhu.

Tajuddin Ahmed was appointed as the first prime minister, while Khondoker Moshtaque Ahmed, Capt M Mansur Ali and AHM Qamaruzzaman were named as cabinet members.

The interim government named General MAG Osmani as commander-in-chief of Mukti Bahini while appointed Major General Abdur Rob as chief of staff.

The provisional government gave successful leadership to the War of Liberation for achieving victory on December 16.

The ruling Awami League and its associate bodies will observe the historic Mujibnagar Day amid due enthusiasm and importance. Of the programmes, national and party flags will be hoisted at all party offices across the country including its central office and Bangabandhu Bhaban premises at 6am on April 17.

Tribute will be paid at the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Bhaban premises around 7am. At Mujibnagar, national and party flags will be hoisted around 6am, tribute will be paid at the mausoleum at 10am, a guard of honour will be held at 10.15am and public rally will be held at Sheikh Hasina Manch at 11am.