Historic Mujibnagar Day today
The historic Mujibnagar Day is being observed today, marking the oath-taking ceremony of Bangladesh's first government on 17 April, 1971.
Following the Pakistan army's genocide on unarmed Bangalees on the black night of 25 March in 1971, senior leaders of Awami League assembled at Baidyanathtala in Meherpur on 17 April to form the provisional government of independent Bangladesh.
Baidyanathtala, mainly a mango orchard, was later named Mujibnagar after ceremonial formation of the provisional government of Bangladesh.
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Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was declared the first president of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, while Syed Nazrul Islam was appointed as the acting president in the absence of Bangabandhu.
Tajuddin Ahmed was appointed as the first prime minister, while Khondoker Moshtaque Ahmed, Capt M Mansur Ali and AHM Qamaruzzaman were named as cabinet members.
The interim government named General MAG Osmani as commander-in-chief of Mukti Bahini while appointed Major General Abdur Rob as chief of staff.
The provisional government gave successful leadership to the War of Liberation for achieving victory on 16 December.
The ruling Awami League and its associate bodies are observing the historic Mujibnagar Day amid due enthusiasm and importance as various programmes have been chalked out marking the day.
Of the programmes, national and party flags were hoisted at all party offices across the country including its central office and Bangabandhu Bhaban premises at 6am on 17 April.
Tribute was paid at the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Bhaban premises around 7am.
At Mujibnagar, national and party flags were hoisted around 6am, tribute was paid at the mausoleum at 10am, a guard of honour was held at 10.15am and public rally marking the Mujibnagar day was held at Sheikh Hasina Manch at 11am.
Awami League Presidium Member Quazi Jafar Ullah is scheduled to attend the function as the chief guest.
Awami League Presidium Member AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, Joint General Secretary Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq, also spoke at the function as the special guests.
The function will be chaired by Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim. AL Organising Secretary BM Mozammel Huq will moderate the function.
