17 April: Mujibnagar Day — A Defining Moment in Bangladesh’s Liberation Struggle
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:18
17 April: Mujibnagar Day — A Defining Moment in Bangladesh’s Liberation Struggle
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17 April: Mujibnagar Day — A Defining Moment in Bangladesh’s Liberation Struggle
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Published on April 16, 2026
17 April is observed as Mujibnagar Day, marking a historic and enduring milestone in Bangladesh’s long struggle for independence. On this day in 1971, the first government of the sovereign People’s Republic of Bangladesh formally took oath at Baidyanathtala, a mango grove in what was then Meherpur subdivision of Kushtia district.
At the ceremony, the Proclamation of Independence—drafted by the government on 10 April 1971—was formally read out. From that day forward, the location became known as Mujibnagar. The formation of this government provided structured leadership to conduct the Liberation War and to achieve independence in line with the declaration and directives of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Following the 1970 general election, Pakistan’s ruling authorities refused to transfer power to the elected representatives and indefinitely postponed the National Assembly session. On the night of 25 March 1971, the Pakistani military launched a crackdown on unarmed civilians, triggering widespread violence. In the early hours of 26 March, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman formally declared Bangladesh’s independence via wireless communication.
Subsequently, on 10 April, elected representatives of the Awami League convened in a liberated area near the Meherpur border. During this special session, they formally established the government of Bangladesh. The Proclamation of Independence was adopted, and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was appointed President. In his absence, Syed Nazrul Islam assumed the role of Acting President, while Tajuddin Ahmad was appointed Prime Minister. Meherpur was declared the temporary capital of the new government.
Within two hours of the oath-taking ceremony, the Pakistan Air Force launched an attack on Meherpur, forcing government leaders to seek refuge in India, from where they continued to operate. After nine months of armed conflict, Bangladesh achieved final victory on 16 December 1971, securing its independence.
At the oath-taking ceremony, the people of Bangladesh were called upon to engage in a determined struggle against Pakistani forces, driven by courage, resilience, and a commitment to freedom. The Mujibnagar government played a critical role in mobilising international opinion in support of Bangladesh and in organising and directing the Liberation War.
Under its leadership, the war progressed towards a successful conclusion. The establishment of this government also encouraged global support for the Bengali population fighting for independence. Ultimately, the country’s freedom was secured at the cost of immense sacrifice, including the lives of an estimated three million people and the suffering of hundreds of thousands of women.
The contribution and significance of the Mujibnagar government remain deeply embedded in the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, and continue to be remembered as a pivotal chapter in the nation’s journey to independence.
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This work is copyrighted and authorized by the Bangladesh Awami League. You may download, display, print and re-produce this material in unaltered form only (retaining this notice)for your personal, non-commercial use or use within your organization.
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EN
BN
All Sections
Home
Views & Opinion
Party News
News
Press Release
Gallery
Special Report
Special Article
Mujib 100
17 April: Mujibnagar Day — A Defining Moment in Bangladesh’s Liberation Struggle
2305
Published on April 16, 2026
17 April is observed as Mujibnagar Day, marking a historic and enduring milestone in Bangladesh’s long struggle for independence. On this day in 1971, the first government of the sovereign People’s Republic of Bangladesh formally took oath at Baidyanathtala, a mango grove in what was then Meherpur subdivision of Kushtia district.
At the ceremony, the Proclamation of Independence—drafted by the government on 10 April 1971—was formally read out. From that day forward, the location became known as Mujibnagar. The formation of this government provided structured leadership to conduct the Liberation War and to achieve independence in line with the declaration and directives of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Following the 1970 general election, Pakistan’s ruling authorities refused to transfer power to the elected representatives and indefinitely postponed the National Assembly session. On the night of 25 March 1971, the Pakistani military launched a crackdown on unarmed civilians, triggering widespread violence. In the early hours of 26 March, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman formally declared Bangladesh’s independence via wireless communication.
Subsequently, on 10 April, elected representatives of the Awami League convened in a liberated area near the Meherpur border. During this special session, they formally established the government of Bangladesh. The Proclamation of Independence was adopted, and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was appointed President. In his absence, Syed Nazrul Islam assumed the role of Acting President, while Tajuddin Ahmad was appointed Prime Minister. Meherpur was declared the temporary capital of the new government.
Within two hours of the oath-taking ceremony, the Pakistan Air Force launched an attack on Meherpur, forcing government leaders to seek refuge in India, from where they continued to operate. After nine months of armed conflict, Bangladesh achieved final victory on 16 December 1971, securing its independence.
At the oath-taking ceremony, the people of Bangladesh were called upon to engage in a determined struggle against Pakistani forces, driven by courage, resilience, and a commitment to freedom. The Mujibnagar government played a critical role in mobilising international opinion in support of Bangladesh and in organising and directing the Liberation War.
Under its leadership, the war progressed towards a successful conclusion. The establishment of this government also encouraged global support for the Bengali population fighting for independence. Ultimately, the country’s freedom was secured at the cost of immense sacrifice, including the lives of an estimated three million people and the suffering of hundreds of thousands of women.
The contribution and significance of the Mujibnagar government remain deeply embedded in the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, and continue to be remembered as a pivotal chapter in the nation’s journey to independence.
TAGS:
Mujibnagar Day
,
Live TV
Recommended For You
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Election of Deception and Farce:
Statement by the People’s Leader Sheikh Hasina
Sajeeb Wazed Urges International Community to Save Bangladesh from Falling in Grasp of Islamic Extremists
BBC Bangla Report: More Than a Thousand Looted Weapons Still Unrecovered After a Year and a Half, Raising Election Security Concerns
Sheikh Hasina Presents Five-Point Plan to Restore Stability in Bangladesh
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How Sheikh Hasina met 7 of the people's basic needs
8th Five Year Plan: En Route to a Prosperous Bangladesh
How a mass movement thwarted plot to keep Sheikh Hasina out of politics & freed her from prison
The murderous legacy of BNP's founder General Ziaur Rahman
Niko Corruption: How a deal facilitated by Tarique’s cronies cost Bangladesh over $1.06 billion
The story behind the 7th March Speech
Padma Bridge - A Symbol of Pride and Dignity of Bangladesh l An Engineering Masterpiece
This work is copyrighted and authorized by the Bangladesh Awami League. You may download, display, print and re-produce this material in unaltered form only (retaining this notice)for your personal, non-commercial use or use within your organization.
Terms and Conditions
|
Privacy Policy
Follow Us