Historic 7th March observed in Washington, D.C.

Shamim Ahmad, Washington, D.C.: The historic 7^th March was observed with patriotic zeal at Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C. Saturday, remembering Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s iconic speech that fired up the Bengali nation to fight and win the independence of Bangladesh in 1971.

On March 7, 1971, Bangabandhu delivered the momentous speech at the Race Course (now Suhrawardy Udyan) in Dhaka, effectively declared the War of Independence.

In observance of this historic day, the embassy chalked out various programs and screened a documentary on the 7^th March speech at Bangabandhu Auditorium. The messages of the Hon’ble President and the Hon’ble Prime Minister were read out. Defence Attaché Brig Gen Moinul Hassan and Minister (Press) Shamim Ahmad read out the messages respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Bangladesh Ambassador to the U.S.A. Mohammad Ziauddin said Bangabandhu in his iconic speech, spoke from his heart for the emancipation and independence of the Bengali nation. He said international connoisseurs and critics of speeches recognized Bangabandhu’s speech as the best by any political leader or personality in world history. They agreed that profound intensity of feelings resonated the emotions deep in the hearts of every person who listened.

“This is the only speech in history that has led to the birth of a country,” the Ambassador said, urging all to materialize the dream of Bangabandhu under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Earlier, Ambassador Ziauddin accompanied by officials and employees of the embassy placed wreath at the bust of Bangabandhu in the chancery. A special prayer was offered seeking divine blessings for the departed souls of Bangabandhu and members of his family assassinated on August 15, 1975, and martyrs of the liberation war.