The historic March 7, a memorable day in the history of Beangalis’ long arduous freedom struggle, is being observed across the country on Monday in a befitting manner.

The day is being observed to draw renewed inspiration from the timeless speech Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered before a sea of people in Dhaka galvanising the Bangalees to take up arms for the 1971 War of Liberation.

In 2017, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) recognised the historic March 7 Speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a world documentary heritage.

On October 7 of 2020, the Cabinet declared March 7 as ‘Historic Day’ instead of the ‘National Historic Day’ so the day is observed nationally and internationally.

On this day in 1971, Bangabandhu, the undisputed leader of Bangalees, had delivered his epoch-making speech of independence before a mammoth rally at the historic Racecourse Maidan, now Suhrawardy Udyan, in Dhaka city.

In his 19-minute extempore speech before a million freedom-loving people, Bangabandhu had made a clarion call for a non-cooperation movement asking the nation to prepare for the war of independence to liberate the country from the exploitative Pakistan regime.

“The struggle this time is for freedom, the struggle this time is for independence, Joy Bangla,” Bangabandhu declared from the massive rally.

Read: Historic March 7: PM pays tributes to Bangabandhu

In his speech, compared with US President Abraham Lincoln's historic Gettysburg speech, Bangabandhu said: “Since we have learnt to give blood, we'll give more blood. Insha Allah, the people of this country must be liberated...turn every house into a fort. Face (the enemy) with whatever you have.”

His speech worked like a magic spell inspiring the entire Bangalee nation to join the struggle for independence from the autocratic and repressive rule of the then Pakistani military junta.

Marking the day, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday paid rich tributes to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at the portrait of the Father of the Nation in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the capital at 7:00am.

After placing the wreath, she stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of independence.

Hasina also released a commemorative postage stamp, a first-day cover and data card marking the historic March 7.

Awami League and different socio-political and cultural organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes on the occasion.

The ruling party will host a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre where party chief and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will speak.

Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar and as well as private television channels and radio stations are airing special programmes and  national dailies have published supplements marking the day.

Read: 'Project rolled out to make March 7 venue a wonder to behold'

Earlier,  President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages recalling with gratitude the courageous and farsighted leadership of Bangabandhu in materialising the nation's journey to freedom through his March 7 Speech.

In a message, the President said: “The historic address of Bangabandhu on March 7 will be an eternal source of inspiration not only for us but also for freedom-loving people around the world.”

President Hamid said Bangabandhu's lifetime dream was to turn the independent-sovereign Bangladesh into a happy and prosperous ‘Golden Bangla’. “We must continue our efforts to fulfil that dream of our great leader.”

In her message, the prime minister said: “The worldwide recognition of the historic March 7 speech of the Father of the Nation is a rare honour and pride for the Bengali nation today.”

She also urged all to follow the great ideal of the Father of the Nation and pledge to build his dream 'Sonar Bangladesh'.