Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said Unesco's recognition of the March 7 speech of the Father of the Nation was history's revenge on those who tried to erase the name of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his contributions to Bangladesh.

“Once, playing the March 7 speech was forbidden in the country. Those who were not born in the country were behind the attempt to erase the speech from history. The Unesco recognition has proved that none can erase the history. History takes its revenge and always upholds the truth,” she said addressing a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan.

She said the recognition has honoured every Bangalee, freedom fighter, pro-liberation force, and family members of the martyrs.

The prime minister was delivering the speech at the same ground where her father had addressed the nation 46 years ago on March 7, 1971. In his fiery speech, Bangabandhu had called on the freedom-loving Bangalees to wage a decisive struggle against the Pakistani rulers.

On October 30, Unesco recognised the historic speech as part of the World's Documentary Heritage.

Hasina, president of the ruling Awami League, was addressing the Nagorik Samabesh (citizens' rally) organised by Nagorik Committee, to celebrate Unesco's recognition of the March 7 speech.

Yesterday, Hasina did not say anything about the country's current political arena. She shared memories of her father and mother Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib.

She spoke about how her mother led movements when Bangabandhu was in jail.

“Before the March 7 speech, my mother told my father 'you will speak your mind. You know better what to say. Remember, the fate of the people is in your hands',” Hasina said.

She also recalled her father's speech at Suhrawardy Udyan on January 10, 1972, after the country achieved victory. Bangabandhu in that speech spoke on how the new country would be run, Hasina said.

People from all walks of life, including AL leaders and activists, started to throng the venue from yesterday noon in processions with banners, festoons and placards. They chanted “Joy Bangla” and “Joy Bangabandhu”.

The March 7 speech was being played through loudspeakers from the processions and at the venue.

The stage was designed like a boat, the election symbol of ruling Awami League.

Hasina said, “The country's history was distorted after the assassination of Bangabandhu in 1975. It's unfortunate that citizens of Bangladesh killed the Father of the Nation.”

“My only request is to unite and remain alert so that no Pakistani ghosts can get the opportunity to distort the history anymore,” she said.

Thanking Unesco, Hasina said Bangladesh has been placed at a respectable spot in the globe by this recognition.

“That's why we are a proud nation,” she said.

Hasina said, “The Father of the Nation wanted to make Bangladesh poverty- and hunger-free. Insallah we will fulfil the dream of Bangabandhu by making Bangladesh a middle income country by 2021 and a developed one by 2041 and this is the pledge from this civic rally.”

Towards the end of her speech, Hasina gave a reference of the nature saying, “It was cloudy today but it is sunny now. This sun will take Bangladesh forward.”

Addressing the rally, Professor Emeritus Anisuzzaman, who chaired the rally, said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the war of independence through the March 7 speech.

He said the government should translate the speech in different languages so that the repressed people of the world could be inspired.

People in small processions head towards Suhrawardy Udyan yesterday for the “Nagorik Samabesh” rally. Traffic on one side of Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue was closed. The photo was taken at Farmgate. Photo: Palash Khan

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader read out a note of thanks to Unesco director general.

The rally was also addressed by eminent educationist Prof Rafiqul Islam, Daily Samakal Editor Golam Sarwar, eminent educationist Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal, Unesco Country Director Beatraice Kaldun and martyred intellectual Alim Chowdhury's wife Shamoli Nasrin Chowdhury.

Noted singer Momtaj, Shahin Samad, and Sajid Akbor enthralled the audience with their songs while Poet Nirmalendu Goon and Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor recited poems at the programme that was conducted by cultural personality Ramendu Majumder.