Bangabanghu's

contribution to the
independence of
Bangladesh
Bangabandhu was a genuine people's leader. The sacrifice and contribution of
Bangabandhu for the independence of Bangladesh are incomparable. Pakistani
rulers, however, were reluctant to hand over power. The whole nation revolted. On
March 7, 1971, Bangabandhu delivered a historic speech at the Racecourse Maidan
(currently known as Suhrawardy Uddyan). At the mammoth gathering, he
declared in his thunderous voice: "The struggle this time is the struggle for
emancipation. The struggle this time is the struggle for independence."The
Pakistani occupation forces launched a brutal military operation on the innocent
Bangalee civilians on the night of March 25, 1971. Bangabandhu declared the
independence of Bangladesh in the early hours of March 26, 1971, and an all-out
guerrilla war began against the Pakistani oppressive regime.Just after his
declaration of independence, Bangabandhu was arrested from his residence at
Road 32 Dhanmondi in Dhaka.Bangabandhu remained firm and ever steadfast in
his goals. Bangabandhu's most famous utterance was, "I will say, while going to
the gallows, I am a Bangalee, Bangladesh is my country.Bangla is my language.
Joy Bangla." He was indeed the source of the indomitable spirit of the freedom
fighters. Bangabandhu's undisputed leadership and the blood and sweat of
millions of Bangalees prevailed. Victory was achieved on Dec. 16, 1971. Bangladesh
emerged as a free and sovereign nation after the Pakistan Army surrendered in
Dhaka at the very Race Course Maidan where Bangabandhu had delivered his
historic March 7 speech only nine months ago. Some 200,000 women sacrificed
their honor and 3 million people sacrificed their lives for the birth ofBangladesh. It
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was Bangabandhu's political inspiration and moral persuasion that made mass
people embrace martyrdom for the motherland. The Pakistani rulers were
compelled by international pressure to free Bangabandhu. The Father of the
Nation returned to independent Bangladesh on Jan. 10, 1972. Bangabandhu was
welcomed by millions at the Racecourse Maidan once again on Jan. 10, 1972.
Overwhelmed with emotions, he said: "The dream of my life has been fulfilled
today. My Sonar Bangla (Golden Bengal) is now free and a sovereign state has
emerged."