The speech that changed history of Bangladesh
The entire
speech was a dialogue between the people of Bangladesh and their undisputed leader on the eve of Bangladeshs birth
On this day 46 years ago, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered a historic speech on the then Racecourse Maidan (currently Suhrawardy Udyan) that effectively declared Bangladeshs independence from the clutches of the West Pakistanis who virtually used this area as their colony. Bangabandhu, who had become by that time a leader of unparalleled greatness encouraged the Bengalis to take up arms and fight for their freedom. On this day Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman called upon all Bangaliss of then East Pakistan (todays Bangladesh) to launch a decisive struggle against the Pakistani occupation forces indicating for taking all-out preparations for the War of Liberation. Ebarer Sangram Amader Muktir Sangram, Ebarer Sangram Swadhinatar Sangram (This time the struggle is for our freedom and emancipation), is what the Father of this Nation famously declared. The momentous inspirational speech, which many Bengalis know by heart, is considered by many to be one of the worlds best.
The 7th March speech was the main mantra and theory for an independent Bangladesh. This address was like a war-cry during the nine months of the liberation war. Whether children or juvenile, young or old, everybody became excited after listening to this speech. This speech articulated in Bangabandhus own voice, not only united the 7 crore Bengalis, but also it taught them the mantra of joining the liberation war. This address was a de-facto declaration of Bangladeshs independence. The entire speech was a dialogue between the people of Bangladesh and their undisputed leader on the eve of Bangladeshs birth.
Bangabandhu in his address tactfully stopped short of making unilateral declaration of independence in order to avert a possible massacre of the people starting from Race Course that very day. However Bangabandhu nobody can deny that the 7th March address gave the nation the guideline for armed struggle for liberation. And from that point of view the address was the informal declaration of independence which was given the final shape by him in the early hours of 26 March, 1971. Those immortal words Since we have sacrificed blood, we will sacrifice more. We will definitely liberate the country, Insha-Allah is clear indication that Banglabandhu was determined to lead his people towards liberty. Never before that day could any Bengali leader sense the pulse of a nation so perfectly.
There are some people who say Bangabandhu only wanted to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan. In his historic speech he categorically stated I dont want the Prime Ministers office. We want the people of this country to have their rights.
Bangabandhus speech changed the course of history and the whole nation started preparing for the ultimate showdown with the Pakistani rulers. The speech not only propelled the Bengalis towards a fight for independence, but also has become a source of inspiration for all freedom-loving people all over the world.
