On this day in 1971, Mujibnagar government held first rally in independent Bangladesh
The national leader gave a broad outline of the Mujibnagar government’s vision for a new country and a promise to frame a constitution as early as possible
December 11 is a day of pride and glory for the Bangalee nation as well as for the Jashore people. The provisional government of Bangladesh made its first appearance inside Bangladesh territory on this day in 1971 through Jashore.
The members of the Mujibnagar government took part in the first victory rally of independent Bangladesh at Jashore Town Hall where Tajuddin Ahmad, the then prime minister, delivered a stirring speech in front of a huge crowd.
The national leader gave a broad outline of the Mujibnagar government's vision for a new country and a promise to frame a constitution as early as possible.
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"No more destruction, no more war. This is the time to rebuild the war-ravaged Bangladesh," declared Tajuddin Ahmad.
He announced that independent Bangladesh would not allow politics in the name of religion and that "the politics of Jamaat-e-Islami, Muslim League and Nejam-e-Islam are therefore declared illegal".
Tajuddin Ahmad directed the then deputy commissioner of Jashore, Waliul Islam, and officer-in-charge of Kotwali police station, Kanchan Ghoshal, to take steps to maintain law and order and take legal actions against perpetrators of crimes – "whoever they may be".
Other prominent members of the provisional government, including Syed Nazrul Islam, Phani Bhushon Majumder, Rawshan Ali, Mosharraf Hossain, Tabibur Rahman Sarder, MR Akhter Mukul and Zahir Raihan, also gave memorable speeches.
Valiant freedom fighter Rabiul Alam told The Business Standard that many foreign journalists including, Peter Gill of The Telegraph, SH Sunberg of The New York Times, and a representative of the Washington Post, covered the assembly.
In the afternoon of December 6, 1971, Jashore earned independence as the first district with the Pakistani occupation forces fleeing the cantonment. Mukti Bahini and Mitra Bahini, led by General Barakat, took control of the cantonment.
Thousands of jubilant people and Mukti Bahini guerrillas came out on the city streets. The whole district shouted "Joi Bangla" in triumph.
On December 11, Tajuddin Ahmad, along with other leaders and members of the Mujibnagar government, entered Jashore through the Benapole-Petrapole border.
