Today, April 17th, marks the historic Mujibnagar Day, an unforgettable date in the history of Bangladesh's independence struggle and Liberation War. On this day in 1971, the first government of independent Bangladesh took its oath at the Amrakanan (mango grove) in Baidyanathtala of the then Meherpur subdivision.
The Declaration of Independence of Bangladesh was also approved on this day. Later, this Baidyanathtala was historically named Mujibnagar.
The proclamation of the People's Republic of Bangladesh on this day firmly supported and approved the declaration of independence by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 26th.
Earlier, on April 10th, the sovereign independent Bangladesh government was formed. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was declared the President of the Republic (in absentia), and Syed Nazrul Islam was declared the Vice-President until a constitution was formulated.
Tajuddin Ahmad was appointed as the Prime Minister of the provisional government, Captain M Mansur Ali as the Minister of Finance, Industry, and Commerce, Khondaker Mostaq Ahmed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Law, and AHM Kamruzzaman as the Minister of Home Affairs, Relief, and Rehabilitation.
General Ataul Gani 1 Osmani was appointed as the Chief Commander of the Liberation Forces of the provisional government, and Major General Abdur Rab as the Chief of Staff. On the day of the Mujibnagar government's oath-taking, 12 members of the Ansar provided a guard of honor to the acting President Syed Nazrul Islam.
On April 11th, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tajuddin Ahmad, addressed the nation via radio. His speech was broadcast multiple times by Akashvani (All India Radio). In that speech, Tajuddin Ahmad presented a detailed account of the resistance war being conducted across the country. The date for the cabinet's swearing-in ceremony was set for April 17th.
Essentially, it was through the formal oath-taking ceremony in Mujibnagar on the morning of April 17th, 1971, that the government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh was established.
Following the 1970 general elections, the then ruling Pakistani regime refused to hand over power to the elected representatives and unlawfully adjourned the National Assembly session indefinitely.
Subsequently, on the black night of March 25th, 1971, when the Pakistani army launched an unethical and treacherous military operation against unarmed Bengalis, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman formally declared the independence of Bangladesh via wireless in the early hours of March 26th.
Following this, on April 10th, elected representatives of the Awami League, who had secured an absolute majority in the National Assembly, convened a special session in the liberated area bordering Meherpur and formed the government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
With the formalities of the Mujibnagar government concluded on April 17th, the Pakistan Air Force launched bombings and attacks within two hours, occupying Meherpur. As a result, the provisional government was forced to take refuge in India and operate from there.
On April 18th, the first meeting of the Council of Ministers was held, and portfolios were distributed among the ministers. Under the successful leadership of the Mujibnagar government, Bangladesh achieved independence on December 16th, 1971, through a nine-month armed liberation war.
Today, Thursday, April 17, 2025, marking the day, Faruque E Azam (Bir Pratik), the advisor on liberation war affairs of the interim government, paid tribute at the Mujibnagar Memorial in Meherpur. He hoisted the national flag at the Mujibnagar Memorial at sunrise this morning. Following a guard of honor, floral tributes were offered at the memorial to commemorate the nation's finest sons.
It is noteworthy that following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5th last year, after a mass uprising led by the anti-discrimination student movement, over a hundred young men and women entered the Mujibnagar Memorial Complex and vandalized the sculpture of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman titled 'April 17 Guard of Honour', along with other sculptures.
Regarding this, Advisor Faruque E Azam said that the entire complex is being inspected, and initiatives will be taken to install the sculptures quickly. However, the structures will be built based on historical accuracy. Nothing incorrect will be imposed here, nor will the true history be erased.
He stated that the Mujibnagar government was not an expatriate or temporary government. Bangladesh became independent under its leadership. Therefore, this government is the constitutional government. Nothing can be imposed on history; history is history. The swearing-in of this government is a glorious chapter. It should always be remembered with respect and love.
Earlier, yesterday, Wednesday, the Deputy Commissioner of Meherpur, Sifat Mehnaz, had informed that Mujibnagar Day was not being celebrated on a large scale this year. The district administration has written to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs about rebuilding the sculptures at the Mujibnagar Memorial Complex.
