Month of independence begins

The glorious month of independence begins on Saturday.

On this day 54 years ago, the nation launched its nine-month-long struggle for a sovereign Bangladesh.

In March 1971, the whole nation got united against the oppressive Pakistani forces, a struggle that gave birth to an independent country on December 16, 1971.

This month is a significant one in the country’s history, as the country’s independence was declared in the early hours of March 26, 1971.

On this day in 1971, then Pakistan president Yahya Khan, in a sudden radio speech, postponed the National Assembly session, which had been scheduled to be held on March 3, for an indefinite period.

The news of the postponement of the National Assembly session led to massive protests in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country, with people of all classes taking to the streets. All offices and business centres in the capital closed down as well.

Following a meeting at Hotel Purbani, a strike was called in Dhaka on March 2, a countrywide strike on March 3, and a rally at the Race Course (now Suhrawardy Uddyan) on March 7 as part of a non-violent non-cooperation movement.

Different political parties, including cultural and social organizations, will observe the month through various programs.