Bangladesh observes Bangabandhu’s home coming day

Dhaka: Bangladesh on Sunday observed the ‘home coming day’ of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman--the architect of independent Bangladesh-- from prison in Pakistan to the country on January 10, 1972 via London and New Delhi.  The nation remembers this day every year with respect and love.

When the plane carrying Bangabandhu touched the runway of Tejgaon Airport, countless crowds greeted the beloved leader with cheers and sky-scraping ‘Joy Bangla’ slogans. From Bangabandhu Airport proceed directly to Suhrawardy Udyan (then Racecourse Maidan). In his address to millions of people there, Bangabandhu congratulated the people for the victory in the war of liberation and called upon all to devote themselves to rebuilding the war-torn country.

On the night of March 25, 1971, Bangabandhu was arrested from his house in Dhanmondi shortly after the Pakistani military launched an attack on the independence-loving Bengali nation. After the final victory of the Bengalis, the world leaders became vocal in demanding the release of Bangabandhu. The defeated Pakistani regime was finally forced to release Bangabandhu under international pressure.

To mark the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation, the government declared the period from March 17 last year to March 26 this year as the ‘Year of Mujib’. The countdown to the year of Mujib started from the day of his return home last year. Not only the government, but also the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the celebration of Bangabandhu’s birth centenary. But due to the Corona epidemic, Mujib’s programs could not be completed on time. For this reason, the government has extended the time of Mujib year till December 16.

‘Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Dhaka Marathon-2021’ was held on Sunday on the day of repatriation. The Bangladesh Army is organizing this marathon with the help of Bangabandhu’s birth centenary celebration committee. The marathon will start from the Army Stadium in the capital and end at Hatirjheel. 200 local and foreign players took part in it.

On the occasion of Bangabandhu’s Homecoming Day, various social and cultural organizations including Awami League have taken various programs including paying homage. The Awami League’s program includes hoisting party and national flags at the party’s central office, Bangabandhu Bhaban and party offices across the country at 6.30 am today, paying homage to the portrait of the Father of the Nation at Dhanmondi at 9.30 am and a limited discussion meeting at Bangabandhu Avenue central office at 3.30 am. Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address the meeting via video conference.

The Awami League’s program includes hoisting party and national flags at the party’s central office, Bangabandhu Bhaban and party offices across the country at 6.30 am today, paying homage to the portrait of the Father of the Nation at Dhanmondi at 9.30 am and a limited discussion meeting at Bangabandhu Avenue central office at 3.30 am.

Besides, the Central Committee of the Awami League and all the affiliated and fraternal organizations of the organization has organized similar programs at every district, metropolitan, upazila, thana, union and ward level to celebrate the day with due dignity. (UNI)