Mujibnagar Day today

The nation observes the historic Mujibnagar Day today commemorating the formation of the provisional government of independent Bangladesh during the War of Liberation.
As the barbaric crackdown of the Pakistan army on the unarmed Bangalees on the night following March 25 in 1971, senior leaders of Awami League congregated at Baidyanathtala in Meherpur on this day in 1971 to constitute the provisional government of independent Bangladesh.
Baiddyanathtala, mainly a mango grove, was later named as Mujibnagar after ceremonial formation of the provisional government of Bangladesh.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was declared the first President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, while Syed Nazrul Islam was appointed the acting President in the absence of Bangabandhu.
Tajuddin Ahmed was appointed as the first Prime Minister, while Khondoker Moshtaq Ahmed, Captain Muhammad Mansur Ali and AHM Qamaruzzaman were the cabinet members.
General Muhammad Ataul Gani Osmani was made the Commander-in-Chief of Mukti Bahini while Major General Abdur Rob was appointed as the chief of staff by the interim government.
The provisional government gave successful leadership to the War of Liberation for achieving victory on December 16.
On the eve of this historic day, President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages on the occasion.
They said the Mujibnagar government after its formation on April 17, 1971 played a very significant role in conducting the War of Liberation.
The contribution of that government will remain ever remembered in the history of the country's War of Liberation, they said.
They also recalled with due respect the memory of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and four national leaders and prayed for eternal peace of their departed souls.
Bangladesh Awami League, which led the War of Liberation, has drawn up an elaborate programme to observe the historic Mujibnagar Day in a befitting manner.
The day's programme will commence with the hoisting of national and party flags at Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi in the city and all party offices across the country at 6:00am. It will be followed by placing of wreaths at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi in Dhaka at 7:00am.
Wreaths will also be laid at the graves of four martyred national leaders--Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed and Captain Mansur Ali at Banani in Dhaka.
A discussion will be held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at 3:00pm on the day.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be present at the discussion as the chief guest, while AL Presidium Member Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury will preside over it. AL central leaders and leading intellectuals will also join it.
A DAYLONG PROGRAMME IN MUJIBNAGAR
In Mujibnagar, a daylong programme has been chalked out. The programme includes hoisting national flag, placing flowers to the Mujibnagar Memorial Complex, rally, discussion meeting and cultural event, our Correspondent from Kushtia said.
LGRD and Cooperative Minister and also General Secretary of AL Syed Ashraful Islam, cabinet members, Awami League leaders and the top-level personalities of different socio-cultural organisations will attend the programme.