DHAKA, Jan 8, 2021 (BSS) – The postal department has issued a commemorative stamp marking Bangabandhu’s release from Pakistani prison on January 8 in 1972as Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was released from Mianwali Jail in Pakistan after long nine months of imprisonment.
Post and Telecommunication Minister Mostafa Jabbar issued a postage stamp of Taka 10 denomination, an opening envelop of Taka 10 and a data card worth Taka 5 from his official residence here today.
“The minister inaugurated the data card and used a seal …also gave statement about historical significance of the day,” according to an official release.
The minister in his statement mentioned different historical perspectives on Bangabandhu’s jail free day and said, “Father of the Nation was released from Pakistani prison camp on this day in 1972 after suffering long nine months imprisonment.”
On March 25 in 1971, the Pakistani occupation forces arrested Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from his Dhanmondi road no-32 residence at midnight when mass killing was carried out by the Pakistani forces. Then Bangabnahdu was imprisoned at Milanwali jail as a prisoner.
“The Pakistan government at one stage after huge diplomatic pressure and criticisms by the top leaders at the international level compelled to release Bangabandhu from jail on January 8 in 1972,” said the minister in his statement.
Jabbar said the then Pakistani President and Chief Marshal Law Administrator Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto released Bangabandhu from the imprisonment and gave last reception after boarding him on a special flight at Lahore Airport in early morning on January 8, 1972.
The news on Bangabandhu’s release from jail was first broadcast on Pakistan radio, but the media didn’t give any details on his destination. But the news on Bangabandhu’s release from Pakistani jail was disseminated all over the world including Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, BBC had started live broadcasting when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman landed at Heathrow Airport in London.
The then British opposition leader and Labour party chief Harrold Wilson who later became Brithish Prime Minister and officials from different diplomatic missions came and gave reception to Bangabandhu at that time, the minister added.
After widespread the news of Bangabandhu’s landing, several thousand people rushed to London streets to give him reception.
The Philatelic Bureau of Dhaka GPO will sell commemorative stamps, opening envelopes and data cards from Friday. Later it will be sold from all GPOs and post offices in the country.