bgs chapter 2 pg 19

Preparation for the Liberation War, Armed Struggle and the Emergence of Sovereign Bangladesh

  • 1970 Elections and Awami League's Victory:

    • The Awami League secured an absolute majority in the national and provincial general elections.

    • Sheikh Mujibur Rahman led the swearing-in ceremony on January 3, 1971, at Ramna Race Course ground.

    • Members committed to the 6-point and 11-point demands.

  • Pakistani Junta's Conspiracy:

    • The Pakistani junta plotted to prevent the Awami League from assuming power.

    • Yahia Khan called for a National Assembly session on March 3, 1971.

    • Zulfikar Ali Bhutto of the Pakistan People's Party refused to participate and threatened others.

    • Yahia Khan postponed the session sine die on March 1, citing Bhutto's refusal.

  • Public Agitation and Protests:

    • East Pakistanis protested the suspension of the assembly session.

    • Strikes were organized on March 2 in Dhaka and March 3 nationwide, led by the All Party Action Committee and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

    • On March 2, students, led by ASM Abdur Rab, hoisted the flag of independent Bangladesh at Dhaka University.

    • On March 3, student leader Shajahan Siraj declared the manifesto of independence at Paltan Maidan.

    • Government activities came to a standstill due to hartals.

  • Government Repression and Bangabandhu's Speech:

    • Police and army fired upon protesters, resulting in casualties.

    • Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered his historic speech on March 7 at the Race Course (now Suhrawardi Uddyan).

    • He urged Bangalees to participate in the armed struggle for liberation.

  • Emergence of Bangladesh:

    • After a nine-month war, Bangladesh emerged as an independent country.

The Historic Speech of 7 March

  • Significance:

    • Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered a historic speech on March 7 at the Race Course (present Suhrawardi Uddyan).

    • He detailed the oppression and deprivation faced by Bangalees under the West Pakistan government.

  • Recognition:

    • UNESCO added the speech to the Memory of the World Register on October 30, 2017, recognizing its value as a documentary heritage.