April 17, 1971, stands as a monumental day in the history of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence. On this day, the Mujibnagar Government—the first government-in-exile of Bangladesh—formally took oath in Baidyanathtala, Meherpur district, now known as Mujibnagar. This event marked the establishment of a legitimate government to lead the Liberation War and advocate for the nation on the global stage.
The Mujibnagar Government was formed on April 10, 1971, with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman elected as President, despite his imprisonment in Pakistan. Acting President Syed Nazrul Islam received the Guard of Honour on Bangabandhu’s behalf during the oath-taking ceremony. Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmad, cabinet members, and Commander-in-Chief Colonel M.A.G. Osmani were also sworn in, solidifying the leadership structure of the nascent nation.
The ceremony, attended by over 50 journalists from home and abroad, was a profound display of unity and determination. The national flag of Bangladesh was raised, and the anthem “Amar Sonar Bangla, Ami Tomay Bhalobashi” resonated through the crowd of freedom fighters and supporters. Chief Whip Professor Yusuf Ali read the Proclamation of Independence, the founding document of the new nation, while recitations from the Qur’an, the Gita, and the Bible underscored Bangladesh’s commitment to secularism.
The Mujibnagar Government played a crucial role in organizing resistance against Pakistani forces, managing refugees, and garnering international support. At a time when freedom fighters operated in scattered groups, the government provided a central command structure, ensuring coordinated efforts in the Liberation War. Its legitimacy was rooted in the will of the people and constitutional continuity, making it a beacon of hope during the darkest days of the conflict.
The speeches delivered by Acting President Syed Nazrul Islam and Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmad during the ceremony were historically significant. They emphasized the sacrifices made by the people of Bangladesh and the unwavering resolve to achieve independence. Tajuddin Ahmad’s declaration, “Pakistan is dead and buried under the corpses of countless innocents,” captured the gravity of the struggle and the determination to prevail.
Tragically, the enemies of independence continued their conspiracies even after the war. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated in 1975, along with most of his family. His daughters, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, survived and carried forward the legacy of leadership. Sheikh Hasina, now a four-time Prime Minister, has faced numerous assassination attempts but remains steadfast in her commitment to Bangabandhu’s vision of a secular and prosperous Bangladesh.Despite challenges, the significance of April 17 endures as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Bangladeshi people. The Mujibnagar Government’s oath-taking ceremony symbolizes the birth of a nation and the sacrifices that paved the way for freedom. It serves as a reminder of the courage and determination that defined Bangladesh’s journey to independence.
