Dhaka, Mar 7 (UNB) - Today (Sunday) is the historic 7th March, a prelude to the nation's final struggle for independence clinched in 1971 through a nine-month war against the then Pakistani occupation force.

Exuding a firm determination, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, father of the nation, this day in 1971 delivered the historic speech calling upon the Bengalis to wage a decisive struggle against the Pakistan junta.

“The struggle this time is for freedom, the struggle this time is for independence, joy Bangla,” Mujib declared from a mammoth rally at the historic Racecourse maidan (now Suhrawardy Udyan) as the Pakistan authorities refused to transfer power to his elected majority party.

In his speech, compared with US President Abraham Lincoln's historic Gettysburg speech, Sheikh Mujib said, "Since we have learnt to give blood, we'll give more blood. Inshallah, the people of this country must be liberated...Turn every house into a fort. Face (the enemy) with whatever you have."

His speech worked like a magic spell inspiring the entire Bengali nation to join the struggle for independence from the autocratic and repressive rule of the then Pakistani military junta.

Just 18 days after the 7th-March address, the Pakistani military launched the worst genocide in the human history on the innocent unarmed Bangalees on the dark night of March 25.

At the final call of Bangabandhu made on the midnight of March 25, before he was taken prisoner, people went to war and liberated the country on December 16, 1971 after nine months' bloodstained war and sublime sacrifices.

Bangladesh Awami League, its front organisations and different political and socio-cultural organisations have chalked out various programmes to observe the historic day in a befitting manner.

President M Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion highlighting the significance of the day.

In his message the President said the March 7 is an ever-remembered day in the history of the Bangalee nation. “I remember with profound respect father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman under whose unparalleled leadership the Bangalee nation achieved independence and sovereignty.”

He urged all irrespective of party and opinion to work unitedly for implementing Vision-2021 declared by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu.

In her message Sheikh Hasina said the present government formed through a fair, neutral and credible election is firmly committed to establishing peace by eradicating hunger, poverty, exploitation, deprivation and terrorism from the country forever.

“Cooperation and support of people from all walks of life is required to fulfill the pledge,” she said.

She also urged the nation to take a vow on the day to uniteldy implement the “Charter of Change” initiated by her government.

The programmes of Bangladesh Awami League include hoisting national and party flags at all party offices and Bangabandhu Bhaban at 6:00am, placing wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Bhaban at 7:30am and holding a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Center at 3:00pm.

AL presidium member and Deputy Leader in Parliament Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury will preside over the discussion meeting.

AL general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam urged all the party units and front organisations to observe the day in a befitting manner.