Independence Day

After the Pakistani general election, 1970, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, then head of the largest political party in Pakistan, the Awami League, had won with a clear majority, the Pakistan military government, headed by Yahya Khan was not willing to hand over power.[2] Negotiations began, but Sheikh Mujib's reputation was such that the ruling Punjabi leadership never trusted him, let al no matter Mujib's efforts. When all indications gradually surfaced crystal clear, promises given were not followed through, and the whole nation of Bangla-speaking Muslims and Hindus of East Pakistan dived into the spirit and vibe of a real struggle. On 7 March 1971 Sheikh Mujib gave his now famous speech at the Ramna Race course where he called for a non-cooperation movement.[3]

Pakistan Urdu- and Punjabi-speaking personnel rounded up Bangla-speaking armed forces officers, NCOs, and enlisted personnel. Forced disap went rampant. On the evening of 25 March in an interview with David Frost, Sheikh Mujib still called out openly for negotiation and a united Pakistan. That night the Pakistan Army spilled out to the streets killing and started Operation Searchlight.[4] It was official, they were not ready for a peaceful transfer of political power to the Awami League led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
be a separate nation independent from Pakistan. Independence for Bangladesh was gained through a nine-month guerilla war against the Pakistan Army, and their co paramilitary Razakars which resulted in the death of about 3 million people in the Bangladesh Liberation war and Bangladesh Genocide.[5] The Mukti Bahini, later with military support from USSR and India, defeated the Pakistan Army ending the war on 16 December of that year.

Independe political speeches, fairs, concerts, ceremonies and various other public and private events celebrating the history and traditions of Bangladesh. TV and radio stations broadcast special programs and patriotic songs in honor of the Independence Day. Generally, a thirty-one gun salute is conducted in the morning.[6] The main streets are decorated with national flags. Different political parties and socioeconomic organizations undertake programs to mark the day in a befitting manner, including paying respects at Jatiyo Smriti Soudho, the national memorial, at Savar near Dhaka