Today, April 17, marks the historic Mujibnagar Day, a deeply significant and memorable occasion in the history of the Bengali nation’s struggle for independence. On this day in 1971, the first government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was formally sworn in at the mango grove of Baidyanathtala in Meherpur (now Mujibnagar). The event marked a crucial step in organizing the Liberation War and bringing it to international attention.
Although the sun of Bengal’s independence set on August 23, 1757, at the Battle of Plassey, it rose again 214 years later in another mango grove on April 17, 1971. After centuries of oppression, exploitation, and struggle, the Bengali nation rose once again and took firm steps toward establishing an independent state.
In the context of genocide and atrocities committed by the Pakistani military forces, the interim government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was formed. As the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was imprisoned in Pakistan, he was declared the President in absentia. Syed Nazrul Islam assumed the responsibility of Acting President, while martyr Tajuddin Ahmad took oath as Prime Minister.
At 11:50 a.m. that day, the oath-taking ceremony began on a makeshift stage under the open sky. The entire area echoed with slogans such as “Joy Bangla” and “Joy Bangabandhu.” The historic moment was documented in the presence of local and international journalists.
The ceremony began with recitations from religious scriptures, followed by the singing of the national anthem “Amar Sonar Bangla.” Later, Professor Yusuf Ali read out the Declaration of Independence and administered the oath to the Acting President, cabinet members, and the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Syed Nazrul Islam then hoisted the national flag of Bangladesh.
In the cabinet, Captain M. Mansur Ali was assigned the portfolio of Finance Minister, A.H.M. Qamruzzaman as Home Minister, and Khondaker Mostaq Ahmed as Minister for Law, Justice, and Foreign Affairs. General M.A.G. Osmani took charge as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
Due to the imminent threat of air attacks by Pakistani forces, the entire ceremony lasted only 45 minutes. After the oath-taking, freedom fighters and Ansar members gave a ceremonial guard of honor to the newly formed government.
The Mujibnagar government’s swearing-in laid the political and diplomatic foundation of the Liberation War. It gave the struggle for Bangladesh’s independence a new dimension on the world stage and paved the way for international recognition.
Under the leadership of this government, the Bengali nation fought a nine-month armed Liberation War and achieved final victory. Through the sacrifice of 3 million martyrs and the suffering of countless women and people, Bangladesh emerged on the world map as an independent and sovereign nation.
Today, Mujibnagar Day is being observed across the country with due respect, honoring the spirit of the Liberation War.
