Hasina leads countrymen oath to build noncommunal Sonar Bangla

On the victory day, Bangladeshis took an oath to make the country a noncommunal one.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina administered the oath to the nation to mark the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangladesh's Independence Golden Jubilee celebrations.

"Bangladesh gained its independence through a bloody liberation struggle against the exploitation and deprivation of the Pakistani rulers under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Bengali nation has established its distinct ethnicity in the heart of the world," Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recited. 

"On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee (of the Independence) and the Victory Day in the Mujib Year, I take oath in glowing voice that I will not let the blood of the martyrs go in vain, I will love the country, I will use all my strength for the overall welfare of the people of the country. May the Almighty help us," she said in the oath words, requesting the people of the country to join her vow afresh.

The nationwide swearing-in programme began at 4:30pm from the Jatiya Sangsad South Plaza and ended at 4:50pm. 

Government officials, member of the armed forces, politicians of ruling Awami League and alliance parties, and people from all walks of life made the pledge to build "Sonar Bangla" echoing the voice of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, joining the ceremony virtually via social media, television and other means from eight divisional cities.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind was present there as the guest of honour.

Fifty years ago, the country achieved victory through the nine-month War of Liberation against Pakistani occupation forces on this day in 1971.

Pakistani military conceded defeat to the allied forces and commanding officer of Pakistani forces general A A K Niazi surrendered arms with all members of his forces.