DHAKA: The nation is observing the historic Mujibnagar Day on Friday (April 17) commemorating the formation of the maiden government of the country with father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as President.

On this very day in 1971, the Bangladesh government in exile was formed at the Mango Orchard at Baidyanathtala under erstwhile Meherpur sub-division (now district) in Kushtia district during the country’s Liberation War.

Nazrul Islam was made acting president as the Pakistani junta arrested Bangabandhu from his Dhanmondi residence soon after a crack-down on unarmed Bangalees on the fateful night of March 25 in 1971.

The Pakistan government held Bangabandhu captive at Milanwali Jail in West Pakistan for nine months during the country’s liberation war.

Tajuddin had taken oath as Prime Minister of the exiled government while Captain Mansur took oath as finance minister, Quamaruzzaman as home minister and Col (later General) Muhammad Ataul Gani Osmani was appointed as the chief of army staff.

In absence of the father of the nation, four leaders – Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, Mansur Ali and Quamaruzzaman – led the nine-month long war successfully and liberated the country from the clutches of the Pakistani forces on December 16 in 1971.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion of the historic day.

Different political parties, socio-cultural-professional bodies and government and non-government organizations have chalked out elaborate program to mark the day. Bangladesh missions abroad will also organize program to observe the day.

National Dailies and news portals published special supplements. State-owned Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and other private television channels and radio stations are airing special programs highlighting the significance of the day.

Incumbent Awami League has chalked out an elaborate program to observe the historic day in the city and in Mujibnagar.

National and party flags kept hoisting atop at Bangabandhu Bhaban in the city and party offices across the country.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed floral wreaths at the portrait of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi in the city at 7am.

Later, shem along with AL leaders and activists, as party president placed another floral wreath at the portrait of Sheikh Mujib.

AL also placed wreaths at the graves of the national leaders Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed and Captain M Mansur Ali at Banani in Dhaka and at the grave of AHM Quamaruzzaman in Rajshahi at 7:30 am.

The Day’s program at Mujibnagar includes: hoisting of national flag at the Liberation War Memorial Centre after sunrise, placing wreath at the Mujibnagar Memorial, presenting guard of honor by freedom fighters, police, Ansar-VDP and holding of a discussion meeting followed by a cultural function at Sheikh Hasina Mancha here.

BDST: 0345/0942 HRS APR 17, 2014
HB/SR