ZCZC
BSS-37
MUJIBNAGAR-GOVERNMENT-FORMATION
Bangladesh’s independence: From Baidyanathtala to Mujibnagar
MEHERPUR, April 16, 2020 (BSS) – The provisional “Mujibnagar Government” constituted at Baidyanathtala in Meherpur district on April 17, 1971 virtually had given a visible shape to an independent Bangladesh.
Subsequently it inspired freedom-loving Bangalees to join the War of Liberation to liberate their motherland from the subjugation.
Baidyanathtala was later renamed as Mujibnagar and so the Bangladesh Government in exile was known as the Mujibnagar Government.
The tiny mango grove-covered village witnessed the ceremonial formation of the provisional government of Bangladesh and millions of freedom loving people listened to the announcement of the formation of the government over radio.
The provisional government in exile named “Mujibnagar Government” was constituted with Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the President, Syed Nazul Islam as acting president and Tajuddin Ahmed as the Prime Minister.
This core cabinet steered the liberation war to the victory on December 16 that year.
Valiant freedom fighter and former Commander of Meherpur district Mukijoddha Sangsad Bashir Ahmed, Liberation War Affairs Secretary of Meherpur District Awami League Ataul Hakim Lal Mia and author of ‘Meherpurer Itihas O Oytijya’ Tozammel Azam told BSS about the initial preparation of the formation of the Mujibnagar Government.
The oath-taking ceremony of the provisional “Mujibnagar Government” was supposed to hold at Chuadanga district. In perspective of the Liberation War situation, Baidyanathtala in Meherpur district was fixed for holding the oath-taking ceremony of the Mujibnagar government.
High official of the Border Security Force (BSF) of India Golok Majumdar and Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) of Chuadanga Toufiq-e-Elahi discussed with AL leaders and the took decision for erecting podium at Baidyanathtala.
With spontaneous participation of the people of all walks of life, the podium was built overnight on April 16, maintaining secrecy.
Syed Nazul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed and other leaders reached Baidyanathtala at 9 am on April 17.
Over 100 journalists and members of Indian security forces also were present at the oath-taking ceremony.
The much-awaited oath-taking ceremony started at 11 am.
As Major Abu Osman Chowdhury reach the late, Captain Mahbub Uddin Ahmed along with 12 EPR Ansar presented a state-salute to the newly formed government of Bangladesh.
Acting President Syed Nazrul Islam hoisted the national flag while local artistes sang national anthem ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’.
Prof Md Yusuf Ali read out the proclamation of independence at the oath-taking ceremony in presence of few thousands freedom-loving Bangalees and over 100 local and foreign journalists.
In absence of President of the Mujibnagar Government Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the names of members of cabinet were announced and they took oath.
The name of Col MAG Osmani was declared as the commander-in-chief of the Bangladesh Forces while name of Col Abdur Rob was announced as the Chief of Staff of Army.
Afterward, Tajuddin delivered a 30-minute speech and renamed Baidyanathtala as Mujibnagar. He urged the world community to lend recognition to Bangladesh as an independent state and appealed to the international community to extend military cooperation to the new government.
Since then Baidyanathtala is known as Mujibnagar. After the oath-taking ceremony, acting President of Mujibnagar government Syed Nazrul Islam was given a guard of honor by Major Abu Osman Chowdhury. Mango orchard of Mujibnagar was abuzz with “Joy Bangla” slogan by freedom-loving people.
BSS/CORR/MKD/KU/2052hrs