Liberation War
Historic Mujibnagar day being observed
The historic Mujibnagar Day is being observed today(Sunday) marking the formation of Bangladesh's first government that led the Liberation War in 1971.
The day began with hoisting the national flag and placing wreaths at Mujibnagar Liberation War Memorial center at 9 am in Meherpur.
Later freedom fighters, members of police force, BGB, Ansar, VDP, BNCC, scouts, girls guide, and students will participate in a gorgeous parade at the mango orchard of Mujibnagar.
This year, the government declared the day as a public holiday at Mujibnagar upazila in Meherpur district.
On the eve of the day, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages.
President Abdul Hamid urged the people of the country to perform their respective responsibilities in building the nation inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War on the eve of Mujibnagar Day.
“Through the celebration of the historic Mujibnagar Day, the present generation will be able to know the true history of the Liberation War and contribute to building ‘Sonar Bangla’ as dreamt by Bangabandhu being inspired by patriotism,” he said.
The Prime Minister called upon all to uphold the great ideals of the Father of the Nation and the spirit of the Liberation War on the 51st anniversary of Mujibnagar Day.
“Let us work together to build the hunger-poverty-free and prosperous 'Golden Bangladesh' as dreamt by the Father of the Nation by resisting all immediate conspiracies” she said in her message.
READ: Historic Mujibnagar Day observed in Seoul
Different socio-cultural and political organisations will observe the day with elaborate programmes.
National dailies brought out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and private radio and television channels aired special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.
Similar programmes at district, upazila level, and Bangladesh embassies in different countries will be arranged to highlight the significance of the Independence Day.
Senior leaders of Awami League assembled at Baidyanathtala, a mango orchard, which was later named as Mujibnagar, in Meherpur district on April 17, 1971 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 had cracked down on the Bangalees on the night of March 25, 1971.
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.
Muslim Bazar massacre in 1971: Remains buried at Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard
The remains of the victims of the Muslim Bazar massacre by the Pakistani army during the Liberation War in 1971 were buried with state honours at the Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard at Mirpur in the city on Monday.
The burial was held under the supervision of the Bangladesh Army and in presence of Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed, said an ISPR press release.
On July 27, 1999, while digging a well during the renovation of the Nuri Mosque in Mirpur's Section 12, many remains including skulls and bones, human hair braids, veils, and pieces of clothing were unearthed.
Also read: Bangladesh calls British parliament to move a motion recognising 1971 genocide
For confirmation of whether the recovered bones and skulls were evidence of the genocide of 1971, the War Crimes Facts Finding Committee examined the evidence of martyrs and carried out scientific research, added the release.
The research included examining tissue samples of blood relatives of the martyrs.
Later, some of the remains were donated to the Liberation War Museum and some to the Army Museum for preservation.
Also read: Discussion in UN: Recognition of 1971 genocide sought
Senior officers of the army, other members of the army and local dignitaries were also present at that time.
Work for national welfare, President Hamid urges scouts
President Abdul Hamid on Sunday asked the scouts to work for good of the society in the spirit of the Liberation War.
"Do good deeds for you and encourage others to do good deeds," Hamid, also the chief scout of Bangladesh said after inaugurating the five-day "Third National Disaster Management Scout Camp" here.
The camp was arranged at Muktijoddha Abdul Haq Government College ground here this afternoon with the participation of about 1,500 scout members from home and abroad.
Read:Hamid, Hasina pay tributes to Liberation War martyrs
“I hope that your position will be against drugs, against terrorism and militancy " he said.
The president said that the national development will be accelerated if the teachings of scouting are followed in personal, family and social lives.
Scouts must play a strong role in building a Bangladesh free of illiteracy, poverty and hunger. The scout members would devote themselves to any need of the emergency, including natural calamities as patriots and volunteers, the president said.
Appreciating the significant role played by the scouts in various social works as well as in dealing with the natural disasters and doing humanitarian work, he said scouting could make a positive contribution to keeping children and adolescents and youth safe and away from the poison of drugs, bigotry, sectarianism, terrorism and militancy.
He also urged the scout leaders to utilize scouting activities to build the next generation as skilled human resources as they will lead the country's ongoing development progress.
“Scouting helps a learner to become a good citizen through training along with studies. . . Utilise scouting to serve the country and do humanitarian welfare acts,” the president said.
He unveiled commemorative stamps on the occasion of the 3rd National Disaster Management Scout Camp.
Read: Six non-resident envoys present credentials to President Hamid
President of Bangladesh Scouts Abul Kalam Azad, Camp Chief and Chief National Commissioner Dr. Mozammel Haque Khan and National Commissioner MM Fazlul Haque Arif also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, President Hamid left Dhaka for his native district Kishoreganj on a five-day visit.
Independence Day celebrated in Bangladesh
Bangladesh observed the Independence and National Day on Saturday, with a fresh vow to take the nation towards prosperity with the Liberation War spirit.
On March 26, 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman proclaimed Bangladesh's independence, following a crackdown on unarmed Bengalis on the midnight of March 25 by Pakistani occupation forces.
After a nine-month war with the supreme sacrifices of three million people and the honour of 200,000 women, Bangladesh finally achieved victory on December 16, 1971.
Also read: Hasina greets Freedom Fighters on Independence Day
1971 Genocide: FM says it’s a shame for Pakistan
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Friday hoped that the new generation of Pakistan will understand Pakistan Army’s genocide in Bangladesh in 1971 and raise their voice for perpetrators' punishment.
“Pakistani junta who committed the genocide went unpunished. It’s very unfortunate and shameful. It’s a shame for Pakistan, too. They should have tried them,” he told reporters after attending a seminar in the city.
Earlier, he spoke at a seminar titled “Bangladesh Genocide in 1971” as the guest of honor jointly organised by Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held at Liberation War Museum Auditorium, Agargaon.
Read: Sampriti Bangladesh demands global recognition of 1971 genocide
Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque spoke as the chief guest. Founding President of Genocide Watch Professor Gregory Stanton, renowned genocide expert Dr Helen Jarvis and Trustee of Liberation War Museum Mofidul Hoque also spoke.
Momen said the parliament adopted the resolution to commemorate 25th March as the ‘Genocide Day’, marking day of the beginning of Bangladesh’s glorious nine-month long Liberation War.
He said efforts are on to get international recognition of genocide and it was the day when the Pakistani army and its collaborators started one of the most heinous genocides of world history.
BNP's two-day book fair, exhibition on Liberation War begins
A two-day book fair and exhibition on the country’s Liberation War arranged by BNP began in the capital on Wednesday as part of the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Independence.
BNP’s sub-committee on “Decoration, Liberation War Book Fair and Photo Exhibition” orgainsed the programme at the Jatiya Press Club.
BNP standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury formally inaugurated the fair and exhibition by hoisting the national flag and the party one.
A group of pro-BNP artists performed the national anthem and the party one at the inaugural function.
The fair and exhibition remains open from 10:30am to 8pm each day while the cultural programme starts at 5pm.
The book fair and the exhibition have featured eminent authors' books on the Liberation War, politics, research-based publications, stories, poems, novels and analytical ones, and photographs as well as paintings.
READ: BNP has no interest in EC talks: Fakhrul
Besides, photographs and paintings on Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman have also been put on display at the exhibition.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will be the chief guest at the closing ceremony at 3pm on Thursday.
Speaking at the programme, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said they have organised the programme to present the true history of the Liberation War and different incidents of the 50 years of Bangladesh.
READ: 100% achievement of electrification a ‘false’ campaign: BNP
He alleged that the current government has been trying to mislead people and the new generation by distorting the history and facts of the Liberation War.
"That's why we're trying to present the true history of the Liberation War. We would like to say no one can bury the truth with lies,” the BNP leader said.
PM opens Bangabandhu Military Museum
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday opened a world-class architecture, ‘Bangabandhu Military Museum’, in the capital to exhibit the country’s military history, heritage and success, particularly its incredible valour and bravery throughout the Liberation War.
The Prime Minister virtually inaugurated the eye-catching museum from her official Ganobhaban residence here.
The Bangabandhu Military Museum was built on a 10-acre land adjacent to Bangabandhu Novo Theater (Planetarium) in the city’s Bijay Sarani area having a collection of military hardware, weapons and equipment.
The museum has six separate parts, including designated galleries for Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force.
Read: No one will be allowed to play with people’s fate: Hasina
To exhibit the glorious history of the Bangladeshi military forces, Bangladesh Military Museum was established in 1987 in Mirpur Cantonment, which was later shifted to the present location at Bijoy Sarani in 1992.
The military museum was modernised under Bangabandhu Military Museum Project to showcase the glorious past, challenges, achievements, and key success of the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force.
Youths and Armed Forces
Addressing the function, the Prime Minister said the young generation would be inspired to join the Armed Forces and work for protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty, visiting the Bangabandhu Military Museum.
“This military museum is not merely for exhibition. Instead, it'll inspire the young generation with patriotism further. Being imbued with patriotism, they'll join our Armed Forces in order to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty,” she said.
Hasina said she is very glad seeing the features of the eye-catching museum virtually and wants it to be developed as the most beautiful one with a collection of modern technology among all the military museums across the world.
Noting that there are limited recreational sites for the people of the country, the PM said the government has an effort to create further scopes for the recreation of people.
She said the students who come to visit the Bangabandhu Novo Theatre can learn many things. Now the children would also visit the modern military museum and get recreation from a children's park built there.
“With all (recreational attractions), it’s an excellent place. The most important thing is that the Bijoy Sarani would continue to bear the memories of the victory,” she added.
Mentioning different features of the museum, people will be able to obtain knowledge about the military forces and become interested in joining the forces alongside getting recreation.
The Prime Minister said her government believes in the foreign policy “Friendship to all, malice towards none” framed by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“We’ve been maintaining the policy. I can say at least that we’ve been in the government since 2009 and was also in the 1996-2001 period. We’ve been following the policy,” she said.
Read: Hasina lauds Tigers for historic Test win against Kiwis
Referring to various steps taken by her government since 1996, the PM said they have taken time-befitting measures for the overall development of the Armed Forces following the footprints of the Father of the Nation.
Sheikh Hasina said she had to face two cases each for building the planetarium, purchasing MIG-29 planes for the air force and frigates for the navy.
“What I did is for the people, though they (the then government) had been able to prove nothing against me here (in the graft cases),'' she said.
The Prime Minister said it is utmost important to project the country’s history, particularly its glorious history of Liberation War, before the people of the country as well as enrich them with knowledge about the country’s military forces.
Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan, and Defence Senior Secretary Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal spoke on the occasion from the museum site.
Bangladesh set to celebrate 51st Victory Day Thursday
The nation is set to celebrate the 51st Victory Day on Thursday, the most joyous day when the country was born at the cost of the supreme sacrifice of three million martyrs and the honour of nearly half a million mothers and sisters, with elaborate programmes.
On this glorious day in 1971, Bangladesh was liberated as an independent country after the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered following a bloody nine-month-long war.
People from all walks of life will join various programmes on Thursday to pay deep homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country during the Liberation War 50 years back.
Read: Victory Day programmes: DMP commissioner stresses onus on security
Along with the government, different socio-political, educational and cultural institutions and organisations have chalked out a series of programmes to celebrate the day. Bangladeshis at home and abroad will also celebrate the day.
This year’s Victory Day has special significance as it coincides with the celebrations of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of the country's independence.
The day’s programme will begin with a 31-gun salute.
Joy denounces Jamaat's depravity and connivance with Pakistan during Liberation War
Bangabandhu's grandson Sajeeb Wazed Joy came down heavily on Jamaat-e-Islami for its wartime brutalities and conspiracies geared towards strengthening the footing of Pakistan and wiping out the dream of freedom cherished by Bangladeshis.
In a Facebook post from his verified account on Wednesday, he mentioned multiple anti-liberation activities Jamaat engaged in.
Read:Sajeeb Wazed Joy pays tributes to martyred intellectuals
"As the Liberation War was drawing towards the end, the victory of the Bengali nation seemed to be a foregone conclusion. When the world was vocal against the atrocities committed by Pakistanis and in favor of freedom sought by Bengalis, Pakistanis hatched one last conspiracy," he added.
Joy said, "They took the initiative to take some Jamaat leaders to the UN council as the representatives of Bengalis. Their purpose was to resist the final victory of Bangladesh."
"When freedom fighters shook the footing of the Pakistani junta in November of 1971, Jamaat spokesperson and Muslim League leader Shah Azizur Rahman resorted to the UN to speak in favor of the Pakistani junta and against Bengalis. They lashed out at the freedom fighters without reservation," he wrote.
"Posing as a Bengali leader of Pakistan's political party, Shah Aziz denied the mass killing conducted by the armed forces of Pakistan in Bangladesh. Later, Ziaur Rahman, after grabbing the state power, made this person the prime minister," he added.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, also the son of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, heavily criticized former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia for entrusting war criminals with the charge of ministries.
"Armed Al-Badr and Al-Shams, made by Niazi, assisted Pakistani soldiers on the warfield. They were led by Ghulam Azam, Shah Aziz, Nizami, Mojaheed, and other top leaders of Jamaat and Shibir. Long after the independence of Bangladesh, Khaleda offered the charge of ministries to these commanders of rapists and killers after forming the government," Joy further said.
Condemning the conspiracies and strategic moves of Pakistanis during the Liberation War of Bangladesh, he said as the Liberation War was drawing towards the end, the victory of the Bengali nation seemed to be a foregone conclusion.
Read:Khaleda Zia gave posthumous award to Bangabandhu's killer: Joy
"When the world was vocal against the atrocities committed by Pakistanis and in favor of freedom sought by Bengalis, Pakistanis hatched one last conspiracy. They took the initiative to take some Jamaat leaders to the UN council as the representatives of Bengalis. Their purpose was to resist the final victory of Bangladesh."
"The US security apparatus became active to implement the conspiracy of Pakistanis. That is why they formed a right-wing sphere with Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad, Taheruddin Thakur, and Mahbub Alam Chashi. Their target was to resist the defeat of Pakistanis in the Liberation War and wipe out the dream of freedom of Bangladeshis and then form a confederation state with Pakistan. This secret plan was leaked and thus couldn't be carried forward. But that didn't stop Jamaat. They left no stone unturned to bury the desire of Bangladeshis for freedom," he went on saying.
Bangladesh India’s development partner, Kovind tells Hasina
Terming Bangabandhu an ideal of pluralism and democracy, visiting Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday said Bangladesh is a development partner of his country.
“Our partnership is comprehensive and vibrant,” President Kovind said when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met him at his palace of residence at Hotel Sonargaon here.
PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
The Indian President said he is happy to be in Bangladesh as it marks three great occasions -- Bangabandhu Birth Centenary, Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence and 50 Years of Indo-Bangla Diplomatic Relations.
Read:Dhaka, Delhi eye more achievements through joint efforts with solid stability
Talking about the pandemic, the Indian President said Covid-19 is an “unseen power” that destroyed everything.
He said Bangladesh was the first country to receive Covid-19 vaccine from India and thanked Bangladesh for sending medicines to India to tackle the virus.
The Indian President hoped that Bangladesh will emerge as a more prosperous and developed country under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina.
Appreciating Bangladesh’s support to India in different international forums, Kovind said the Bangabandhu-Bapuji joint digital exhibition was remarkable.
“And Bangabandhu Chair has been established in Delhi University,” he said, adding that India is focusing on connectivity between the two countries.
The Indian President thanked Sheikh Hasina for sending a very good gift of mangoes to Indian leaders.