Mujibnagar Day today

Today is the historic Mujibnagar Day, the day Bangladesh's first government took oath in 1971 amidst the Liberation War.

The official announcement, known as the Proclamation of Independence, stated that the government's objective was to ensure equality, human dignity and social justice for the people of Bangladesh.

The Proclamation of Independence mentioned that the "order shall be deemed to have come into effect" on March 26, 1971.

It served as the Constitution of Bangladesh from March 26, 1971 to December 16, 1972.

Senior Awami League leaders assembled at Baidyanath Tala, Meherpur, on April 17, 1971, to form the provisional government of independent Bangladesh, in the absence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who was in prison in Pakistan.

Bangabandhu was declared the first President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, and Vice-President Syed Nazrul Islam became the acting president.

Around 10:00am that day, the leaders went to a mango orchard in Baidyanathtala, to hold the oath-taking ceremony amid the war.

The Mujibnagar government had been formed seven days earlier, with the aim of conducting the Liberation War and officially declaring the independence of Bangladesh.

The Members of National Assembly and Members of Provincial Assembly who were in India also formed a constituent assembly.

Tajuddin Ahmad was sworn in as the prime minister. Baidyanathtala was later named Mujibnagar.

After the swearing-in, Syed Nazrul Islam, with MAG Osmani, newly appointed commander-in-chief of Bangladesh Defence Forces, took the salute and an inspection of the guard followed.

The acting president raised the red, green and yellow flag amid thunderous applause. It was hoisted while the leaders sang Amar Sonar Bangla in unison.