Engineer M. Hossain
Fellow of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh
On March 2, 1971, the flag of Bangladesh was raised by students at Dhaka University, a moment that echoed the courage and determination of the Bengali people in their demand for independence and their assertion of Bengali identity against an oppressive regime. Despite the imposition of a curfew later that evening, the undeterred populace faced violent suppression from security forces. As hospital injuries increased, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman cautioned, “Do not ignite fires in Bangladesh. You will not be spared from the blaze if you do,” and urged, “Be careful; do not confront the people with force.” This was a testament to the unwavering courage and determination of the Bengali people, a source of inspiration and pride for generations to come.
On March 3, a commemorative procession was conducted to honor the victims of the previous night’s violence. In Palton, Sheikh Mujib proclaimed, “If you do not want a constitution enacted through democratic means, then you can all write your constitution. We will write the constitution for Bangladesh.”
Dr. Kamal Hossain noted that on March 6, the Awami League’s executive committee convened to strategize Sheikh Mujib’s forthcoming address on March 7. Given the prevailing national sentiment, there was a pervasive expectation that he would declare independence, particularly among the youth and student factions, who had been fervent advocates for the cause. The political landscape indicated that refraining from a declaration of complete independence would not meet the aspirations of an increasingly politically conscious populace.
As the leading political party, the Awami League was entrusted with the dual responsibility of maintaining momentum within the movement and ensuring the safety of the people. Any misstep or misstatement could potentially justify Pakistani military action against the largely unarmed civilians. Sheikh Mujib’s position within Pakistan’s broader political framework further complicated this delicate balance, as he was the majority party’s leader in Parliament. This position generated considerable pressure from the youth, who had already signified their commitment by raising the Bangladeshi flag.
March 7, 1971, is pivotal in Bangladesh’s liberation struggle narrative. During a monumental gathering at Racecourse Ground in Ramna, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman articulated the fundamental underpinnings for the liberation of Bengalis from Pakistani oppression. This address not only galvanized the populace of East Pakistan but also inspired a collective movement toward independence. Notably, poet Nirmalendu Goon has characterized this speech as an epic, while Newsweek magazine highlighted Sheikh Mujib as “A Poet of Politics.”
On March 6, 1971, the pressure on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to declare independence reached a critical point. That day, he engaged in an extensive discussion with President Yahya Khan, during which the President urged him to refrain from taking any actions that would preclude the possibility of negotiation. The intense debate lasted several hours, with both leaders presenting their arguments and concerns. Later that same day, President Yahya announced that a National Assembly session would occur in Dhaka on March 25. However, the implicit threats conveyed in the President’s remarks contributed to escalating tensions among the populace of East Pakistan. In this climate, the Awami League and the student league intensified their calls for Sheikh Mujibur to declare the independence of Bangladesh. The following day, preparations were underway at Bangabandhu’s residence in Dhanmondi in anticipation of a significant public gathering scheduled for March 7.
Joseph Farland, the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, warned Sheikh Mujib that the U.S. would not support Pakistan’s disintegration, complicating international backing for Bangladesh’s independence. This position highlighted Bangladesh’s geopolitical challenges in its struggle for freedom and added complexity to the situation.
Amid this atmosphere of uncertainty, Sheikh Mujib delivered his historic address on March 7 at 2:30 PM before a massive assembly at Racecourse Ground. Clad in traditional attire—white pajamas, panjabi, and a black Mujib coat—he placed his heavy-framed black glasses on the table and calmly addressed the audience with gravity. The choice of his traditional attire and the setting of the Racecourse Ground added a visual element to the narrative, helping the audience better imagine the scene.
“My brothers, today I stand before you with a heavy heart. You all know and understand that we have tried with our very lives.”
In his address, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman highlighted the gravity of the historical struggles faced by the people of Bengal, “It is with sorrow that I must speak of the painful issue today: the tragic history of 23 years, the history of the oppression of Bengal, the blood of the people of Bengal, the history of the cries of dying men and women for 23 years, and the history of this land stained with the blood of its people.” This poignant invocation of historical trauma served to contextualize the current political landscape.
Bangabandhu notably distanced himself from personal ambition, emphasizing, “I do not seek the position of Prime Minister. We want the rights of the people of this country.” His speeches were not just eloquent oratory but also a strategic mobilization of support, a testament to his unwavering commitment and astute leadership. His proclamation highlighted this: “As I have given blood, I will give more blood to free the people of this country, God willing. This time’s struggle is the struggle for our liberation; this time’s struggle is the struggle for independence. Joy Bangla.” This statement effectively encapsulated the multifaceted nature of the Bengali struggle, focusing on themes of liberation and independence.
Although the speech was delivered without a script, Bangabandhu’s composure and emotional resonance displayed a masterful command of rhetoric. His effective use of regional vernacular played a significant role in bridging the gap between him and the grassroots audience, ensuring that his message was heard and felt. By incorporating local dialects, he invigorated his discourse’s emotional and cultural undertones, prompting a robust collective response from those in attendance. The emotional resonance of his words made the audience feel a deep connection and empathy with the struggles he described, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Bangabandhu’s command of the Bengali language is evident in phrases such as “23 years of history, a history of the cries of dying men and women” or “The history of Bengal is the history of staining the roads with the blood of the people of this country,” which raises questions about the preparatory processes behind the speech. Having drafted his address that day, he may have mentally composed his speech from Dhanmondi Number 32 to Ramna Race Course (Suhrawardy Udyan), succinctly outlining the historical context, ongoing struggles, necessary actions for the populace, and a bold declaration for independence.
Bangabandhu was fluent in English but intentionally avoided using unnecessary English words in his March 7 speech. He used terms such as “President,” “National Assembly,” “Secretariat,” and “Supreme Court,” which are familiar in Bengali, and pronounced them in English. However, for words like “economical,” “culture,” “independence,” and “leaders,” he chose to use the Bengali pronunciation instead of the English versions. This decision made his address accessible to uneducated villagers and educated urban dwellers, fostering inclusion and respect for all audiences. This choice made his address accessible to uneducated villagers and educated urban dwellers, promoting inclusion and respect for all audiences.
The speech, delivered on March 7, 1971, resonated emphatically with attendees at Race Course. Subsequent radio broadcasts ensured that its powerful message reached a nationwide audience. The clarity and urgency of his words continue to reverberate, facilitating understanding among listeners globally.
Some commentators have likened Bangabandhu’s speech to poetry, particularly noting the potency of his concluding remarks: “This time the struggle is our liberation struggle; this struggle is for independence.” This statement introduces a nuanced distinction between the concepts of liberation and independence. While independence connotes political and territorial sovereignty, liberation encompasses economic, cultural, and psychological dimensions. A nation cannot claim freedom solely based on political independence; true liberation involves a multifaceted reclamation of identity and autonomy. Bangabandhu envisioned a comprehensive liberation that imbued independence with profound significance, countering the compromises of identity endured by citizens in Pakistan.
In his address, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman presented his remarks to Yahya Khan and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto with a mix of sarcasm and respect, notably referring to them as “Mr. Yahya” and “Mr. Bhutto.” He asserted, “We will kill you by stopping the rice; we will kill you by stopping the water.” Furthermore, he stated, “You are my brothers. Remain in the barracks; no one will comment on your presence.” This expression of civility was unprecedented among the leaders in Pakistan.
In his speech delivered on March 7, Bangabandhu skillfully guided the audience toward a resolution. He began by expressing sorrow and addressing the historical deceit the central Pakistani government practiced. He asked the crowd a critical rhetorical question: “What wrong did we do?” This question effectively stirred the audience’s awareness of their circumstances. As discontent regarding the manipulative actions of the Pakistani authorities began to emerge, he followed this with another thought-provoking question: “What have we truly gained from this?” This further encouraged profound reflection among the attendees. He emphasized a significant irony: the arms procured for national defense were used against the Bengali populace. This contradiction served as a clear reflection of the escalating public dissatisfaction.
Bangabandhu shifted his attention from the specific challenges faced by the Bengali people to the broader political landscape involving Yahya Khan. He recounted a significant five-hour confidential meeting concluding with Yahya Khan attributing blame for the prevailing tensions between Bangabandhu and the Bengali populace. This account clarifies for the audience the distinction between adversaries and allies.
He reiterated, “The brothers belong to me,” emphasizing that he could not join the legislative assembly “at the cost of sacrificing that martyr.” This statement marked the beginning of the most passionate segment of his speech. He called for a strike and issued directives to ensure that the poorest members of society would not suffer during this unrest. He advocated for a non-cooperation movement, urged everyone to build fortifications in their homes, and encouraged them to use “whatever means necessary” to resist oppression. This bold proclamation energized the populace and laid the groundwork for the Liberation War.
We were living within the framework of Pakistan at that time. We cannot be separatists. The majority can never be separatists. There is an international community. They do not readily accept separatists. Therefore, in narrating the history of his own country’s people, he wanted to send this message to the international community: Bengalis are always in favor of peace. West Pakistan and the central government are in favor of unrest and are not only depriving the Bengalis of their rightful rights but are also trying to suppress them with gunfire.
This foresight of Bangabandhu was instrumental in shaping the quest for independence. The government of Bangladesh later framed its struggle within the context of being war victims, asserting their experience of a ‘due process of law’ that the Pakistani authorities systematically disregarded. This legal narrative garnered significant international support, spotlighting the plight of Bengalis. The Bangladeshi government-in-exile drew upon the core values articulated during the March 7 speech, with the Proclamation of Bangladeshi Independence issued from Mujibnagar on April 10, reflecting its inspiration.
Given Bangabandhu’s keen awareness of the delicate circumstances surrounding him, it is reasonable to suggest that he foresaw the potential repercussions of his actions. He implemented two strategic initiatives: first, to demonstrate to the international community the steadfast commitment of the Bengali people to a peaceful and nonviolent resistance movement; second, to prepare the populace for the possible eventuality of his arrest or assassination, thereby equipping them to manage such challenges effectively.
On March 7, 1971, Bangabandhu issued a directive on how to respond in case he was unavailable or if the authorities disregarded his request: “If, after this, the salary is not paid, if a single shot is fired, and if my people are killed, I have one request: Build a fortress in every home. Confront the enemy with all your strength. Even if I cannot give the command, you must block the roads permanently and resist the enemy with everything you have for the sake of life.”
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered a pivotal address that encapsulated the urgency of the political situation in Bangladesh. He declared an indefinite closure of courts, offices, and educational institutions, urging citizens to collect their salaries on the 28th while underscoring the importance of solidarity among workers. His speech showcased meticulous attention to detail, a rarity in extemporaneous addresses, and addressed potential discord due to external influences, stating, “In this land, Hindus and Muslims, Bengalis and non-Bengalis are all our brothers.” He emphasized mutual protection to avoid damaging reputations amidst rising tensions.
A balanced yet emotionally impactful speech during a crisis is rare, and it is surprising how he delivered one today. Pakistani Major Siddique Salik noted, “Towards the end of the speech, he advised the crowd to remain calm and nonviolent. Initially surging with great emotion like ocean waves, the crowd returned home like a receding tide. They resembled a group coming back from a religious gathering—a mosque or a church—carrying a sense of satisfaction and a divine message in their hearts. It was as if the fire within them had been extinguished. If they had chosen, that fire could have been unleashed in an attack on the cantonment, which many feared. This speech brought relief to the Martial Law Headquarters. During a phone call from the headquarters, a high-ranking official remarked that the martial law administrator stated it was the best speech under the circumstances.”
Dr. Kissinger reported that an immediate conflict between East and West Pakistan was avoided, but the situation remained unchanged, viewing the speech as a temporary fix to the political crisis.
The founder of the BNP, Ziaur Rahman, wrote, “Bangabandhu’s historic announcement at the Race Course Maidan on March 7 felt like a ‘green signal’ for us. We finalized our plan but did not inform anyone else about it. Tensions between Bengalis and Pakistani soldiers were gradually reaching a peak.”
Maidul Hasan explained, “Perhaps, following the non-cooperation movement that lasted more than three weeks, there was a radical transformation in the political consciousness of the common people of Bengal. With the onset of the brutal genocide by the Pakistanis, the independence of Bengal became their common and singular goal. Sheikh Mujib’s announcement on March 7 became a guiding beacon for most people.”
Many people compare Bangabandhu’s March 7 speech to Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, but the two speeches serve different purposes and come from other contexts. Lincoln was the President of the United States, and his goal was to abolish slavery in America, which led to the Civil War in 1861. On one side were the Confederates, who supported slavery, and on the other were the Unionists, who opposed it. A fierce battle occurred in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where many soldiers lost their lives, and ultimately, the Unionists emerged victorious. Lincoln visited Gettysburg to pay his respects, and during this visit, he delivered a three-minute speech emphasizing the protection of democracy.
Unlike Lincoln, Bangabandhu had the critical responsibility of uniting a nation for independence within the framework of an existing state. He had to prepare his people for the fight for freedom while ensuring that his call did not appear separatist. His March 7 speech served as a declaration of liberation for the Bengali people and holds far greater significance in that context.
After Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s seminal address on March 7, 1971, East Pakistan experienced a profound transformation that catalyzed a robust national liberation movement. The non-cooperation movement rapidly gained traction, with Sheikh Mujib’s directives perceived as imperative, garnering support even among government officials. This marked a critical juncture in the region’s political landscape, as calls for autonomy and self-determination intensified, setting the stage for the eventual struggle for independence.
Dr. Borhanuddin Khan Jahangir articulated that the groundwork for Bangladesh was laid through the non-cooperation movement initiated in March 1971, which aimed to reject the institutional framework of Pakistan. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s role was critical in converting this resistance into a structured political campaign for state formation. His communication of a vision for an independent state was bolstered by a set of 35 directives that established the foundational principles for Bangladesh’s emergence and outlined prospective state policies ahead of the liberation war. This emphasized that the sovereignty of Bangladesh rests with its populace, which encompasses civil authority, law enforcement, and military command. In this context, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is venerated as the Father of the Nation, a testament to his accountability and leadership.
Bengalis were intensely anticipating Bangabandhu’s speech on March 7. Shaheed Janani Jahanara Imam noted in her diary her eagerness to hear the speech from home despite being unable to attend the meeting. She expressed annoyance at delays caused by Subhan in the kitchen. In another household, Panna Kaisar’s family felt the historical significance of the speech, with Shahid Shahidullah Kaisar asserting that his unborn son would hear the Declaration of Independence.
Bangabandhu’s invigorating address on March 7 catalyzed the liberation war, rallying around seventy million Bengalis against the Pakistani military. The weeks between March 7 and March 25, 1971, became crucial for Bengalis, akin to the October Revolution for Russia. On March 26, following a brutal Pakistani military operation on March 25, Bangabandhu proclaimed independence. While the March 26 Declaration is recognized as a significant milestone, the foundation of Bangladesh was established on March 7. The momentum of the non-cooperation movement in Bangladesh gained rapid traction, surpassing Mahatma Gandhi’s campaigns.
Even as Bangabandhu languished in a distant prison in Pakistan—a fate uncertain for many—his words, disseminated via the Shadhin Bengal Radio Center, sustained hope among the oppressed populace. Freedom fighters eagerly awaited the radio program “Bajrakantha,” while Bangabandhu’s phrases became synonymous with the liberation effort, with “Joy Bangla” emerging as the movement’s rallying cry.
The nation achieved a monumental victory on December 16, 1971, albeit at an exorbitant cost—enduring the sacrifice of three million martyrs, the victimization of over two hundred thousand women, and the displacement of nearly ten million people. The nine months of the liberation war were marked by profound sacrifices, ultimately culminating in the hard-won independence of Bangladesh.
Bangabandhu poignantly encapsulated this historic juncture in his address on March 7, when he powerfully declared:
“This time’s struggle is the struggle for our liberation,
This time’s struggle is the struggle for our independence.”
The speech highlights UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, which recognizes essential documentary heritage. This announcement marks Bangladesh’s first Memory of the World Programme entry. On October 30, 2017, in Paris, Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO, made this decision public. This achievement is now a source of pride for Bangladeshis and a valuable global asset.