FATHER OF NATION BANGABANDHU

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was born in a respectable Muslim family on 17 March,1920, Tungipara village under the Gopalganj district. He was the third child among four daughters and two sons of Sheikh Lutfur Rahman and Saira Begum. Bangabandhu started his school life at Gimadanga primary school at the age of seven. At eighteen he married Begum Fazilatunnesa. They subsequently become the happy parents of three sons and two daughters. All the sons were too killed along with their parents on 15 August, 1975. Bangabandhu passed the entrance exam and joined the Kolkata Islamia College and elected the General Secretary of the college union. During the riot of ’47, he took a pioneering role in protecting the Muslims and trying to contain the violence. Bangabandhu admitted into Dhaka University. He founded the Muslim Students League on January 4, 1948. Bangabandhu was one of the front line leaders of the language movement and was arrested on March 11, 1948. On July 9, Bangabandhu was elected general secretary of East Pakistan Awami League at its council session. He was the adjacent point of Jukta Front among Shere Bangla, Maolana Vashani and Hossain Shahid Sarwardi. In 1955, he was elected a member of the legislative assembly on June 5. In 65, government deemed him as the main culprit and charged with sedition case. But then came the historic moment of February 5, 1966. Bangabandhu placed the historical 6-point demand before the select committee of the conference. This historical 6 point-demand paved the way of our Great Liberation War. In ’68, the Pakistani government instituted the notorious Agartala conspiracy case against Bangabandhu. In ’69, the Central Students Action Council was formed to press for the acceptance of the 11-point demand that included the 6-point demand of Bangabandhu.The movement peaked into an unprecedented mass upsurge that forced Ayub Khan to bow to the continued mass protests and freed Bangabandhu and the co-accused. In February 23, at the race course (Suhrawardi Uddyan), before a million of people, Sheikh Mujib Was publicly acclaimed as ‘Bangabandhu (Friend of Bengal). On December 5, Bangabandhu declared at a discussion meeting that East Pakistan would be called ‘Bangladesh‘instead of ‘East Pakistan’. In 1970, Bangabandhu was re-elected President of Awami League. Under his spurious leadership, Awami League took part in the General Election of ’70 and gained absolute majority. Awami League secured 167 out of 169 National Assembly seats and in the East Pakistan gained 305 out of 310 Provincial seats. On March 7, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman addressed a mammoth public rally at the RaceCourse ground, where he declared: ”This struggle now is the struggle for emancipation, this struggle now is the struggle for liberation.” After that speech, the whole of Bangladesh was static in every sphere and started to follow every command of Bangabandhu. On the fierce night of March 25, the Pakistani Army cracked down on the innocent unarmed Bangalees. Bangabandhu, in a wireless message, called upon for an entire resist from every section of the society. He was arrested by the Pakistani army on that night. Bangabandhu was sentenced to death by the Pakistani army. In December 16, 1971, Bangladesh became a free nation under the leadership of Bangabandhu. Bangabandhu was freed from the Pakistani jail on January 8, 1972 and returned to his beloved country on January 10. After that started the reconstruction work of the country. And under the leadership of Bangabandhu, the country piled up to the acme of the development. But…. in the pre-dawn hours of 15 August, the noblest and the greatest of Bangalees in a thousand years, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated by a handful of treacherous military officers. Father of the Nation' is an honorific bestowed on individuals who are considered the most important in the process of the liar establishment of a country or a nation. They are instrumental in the birth of their nations by way of liberating them from colonial or other occupation. George Washington is the father of the United States, Peter I of Russia, Sun Yat-sen of China, Sir Henry Parkes of Australia, Miguel Hidalgo of Mexico, Sam Nujoma of Namibia, William the Silent of the Netherlands, Einar Gerhardsm of Norway, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, Carlos Mannel of Cuba, Mustafa Kemal of Turkey, Sukarno of Indonesia, Tunku Abdul Rahman of Malaysia, Mahatma Gandhi of India, Don Stephen Senanayake of Sri Lanka and Mohammad Ali Jinnah of Pakistan. So is Bangabandhu, the Father of the Bangladesh nation. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (1920-1975) is the architect of our country and the nation by all implications of the term. As a matter of fact, what we now call Bangladesh was never independent in the truest sense of the term before 1971. It was Mujib and only Mujib who gave the nation a real touch of freedom. It was quite a trek into the long way of freedom from all-out oppression through autonomy and home rule in which he gave the active lead. He was the fearless fighter of the Language Movement of 1952; the pioneer of the democratic movement of 1962; the architect of the Six-point Movement of 1966; the life-force of the Mass Movement of 1969; the enviable victor of the election of 1970 and, above all, the greatest hero of the Liberation War of 1971. He is undisputedly the founder of independent Bangladesh and, therefore, the Father of the Nation. It is really a matter of regret that we are not well aware of this greatest national leader. But who is to blame for that? As a matter of fact, there has been a long chain of conspiracy to make people oblivious of Bangabandhu. It began with his assassination on the inauspicious August night of 1975. Ever since then the country fell mostly under the sway of despotic military rule accompanied by the corrupt politicians, opportunistic bureaucrats, pseudo-democrats and religious fundamentalists. They had one thing in common i.e. Bangabandhu-bashing. They tried to indemnify the killers of Bangabandhu, and rewarded them with lucrative portfolios. They took sustained efforts to erase the image of Bangabandhu from the minds of the people by distorting history. They tried to obliterate the memories of Bangabandhu from the pages of history, inscriptions of monuments and from whatever holds the recollections of Mujib. The anti-Mujib campaigners are not, however, as powerful as history itself. History takes its own course, maybe after quite a long time. But this is inevitable. So, the anti-Mujib campaigners have vainly tried to change the course of history eventually making a mockery of it. What they had done at best is that they had fooled some people for sometime or what they can still do is that they can fool some people for all time, but they can never fool all people into believing a false story for all time. People must be endowed with a true sense of history today or tomorrow. To look into one's own history and culture and to go for the quest for national identity and cultural heritage have become an imperative in these postcolonial days. Ours is not a poor socio-political and cultural legacy. We fought valiantly a war of independence under the leadership of Bangabandhu. We can very well come up with this political legacy and assert ourselves more. We can uphold the ideals of Bangabandhu to rebuild our nation. Mujib is really Bangabandhu, friend of Bangladesh. And hence he could utter: 'Standing on the gallows, I will tell them, I am a Bengali, Bangla is my country, Bangla is my language”. On the black night of March 25, when it was suggested that he go into hiding, he flatly refused and retorted: “I must share the sufferings of my people along with them. I must share. I cannot leave them in the face of fire. I cannot.” Really he did not flee to safety from the war-torn country. Rather he willingly became the first prey to the marauding force. Love for the motherland had prompted him to take such a risk. Afterwards, over nine long months, day after day and night after night in the dark cell of the prison camp, he longed for the freedom of his country. The unbearable suffering of the dungeon could not sap the strength of his patriotism. On his return home on 10 January 1972, addressing a huge gathering in Suhrawardy Uddyan, Bangabandhu declared: "Bangladesh has earned independence. Now if anybody wants to seize it, Mujib would be the first man to sacrifice his life for the protection of that independence". His country was all important to him. He believed it was his calling to do well to his country, not to look forward to anything in return. He often used to mention the famous quote by President John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country". Such a big man was Bangabandhu! The undisputed Father of independent Bangladesh. To be unaware of this is sheer ignorance. To deny this is an offence against history.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was born in a respectable Muslim family on 17 March,1920, Tungipara village under the Gopalganj district. He was the third child among four daughters and two sons of Sheikh Lutfur Rahman and Saira Begum. Bangabandhu started his school life at Gimadanga primary school at the age of seven. At eighteen he married Begum Fazilatunnesa. They subsequently become the happy parents of three sons and two daughters. All the sons were too killed along with their parents on 15 August, 1975. Bangabandhu passed the entrance exam and joined the Kolkata Islamia College and elected the General Secretary of the college union. During the riot of ’47, he took a pioneering role in protecting the Muslims and trying to contain the violence. Bangabandhu admitted into Dhaka University. He founded the Muslim Students League on January 4, 1948. Bangabandhu was one of the front line leaders of the language movement and was arrested on March 11, 1948. On July 9, Bangabandhu was elected general secretary of East Pakistan Awami League at its council session. He was the adjacent point of Jukta Front among Shere Bangla, Maolana Vashani and Hossain Shahid Sarwardi. In 1955, he was elected a member of the legislative assembly on June 5. In 65, government deemed him as the main culprit and charged with sedition case. But then came the historic moment of February 5, 1966. Bangabandhu placed the historical 6-point demand before the select committee of the conference. This historical 6 point-demand paved the way of our Great Liberation War. In ’68, the Pakistani government instituted the notorious Agartala conspiracy case against Bangabandhu. In ’69, the Central Students Action Council was formed to press for the acceptance of the 11-point demand that included the 6-point demand of Bangabandhu.The movement peaked into an unprecedented mass upsurge that forced Ayub Khan to bow to the continued mass protests and freed Bangabandhu and the co-accused. In February 23, at the race course (Suhrawardi Uddyan), before a million of people, Sheikh Mujib Was publicly acclaimed as ‘Bangabandhu (Friend of Bengal). On December 5, Bangabandhu declared at a discussion meeting that East Pakistan would be called ‘Bangladesh‘instead of ‘East Pakistan’. In 1970, Bangabandhu was re-elected President of Awami League. Under his spurious leadership, Awami League took part in the General Election of ’70 and gained absolute majority. Awami League secured 167 out of 169 National Assembly seats and in the East Pakistan gained 305 out of 310 Provincial seats. On March 7, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman addressed a mammoth public rally at the RaceCourse ground, where he declared: ”This struggle now is the struggle for emancipation, this struggle now is the struggle for liberation.” After that speech, the whole of Bangladesh was static in every sphere and started to follow every command of Bangabandhu. On the fierce night of March 25, the Pakistani Army cracked down on the innocent unarmed Bangalees. Bangabandhu, in a wireless message, called upon for an entire resist from every section of the society. He was arrested by the Pakistani army on that night. Bangabandhu was sentenced to death by the Pakistani army. In December 16, 1971, Bangladesh became a free nation under the leadership of Bangabandhu. Bangabandhu was freed from the Pakistani jail on January 8, 1972 and returned to his beloved country on January 10. After that started the reconstruction work of the country. And under the leadership of Bangabandhu, the country piled up to the acme of the development. But…. in the pre-dawn hours of 15 August, the noblest and the greatest of Bangalees in a thousand years, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated by a handful of treacherous military officers. Father of the Nation' is an honorific bestowed on individuals who are considered the most important in the process of the liar establishment of a country or a nation. They are instrumental in the birth of their nations by way of liberating them from colonial or other occupation. George Washington is the father of the United States, Peter I of Russia, Sun Yat-sen of China, Sir Henry Parkes of Australia, Miguel Hidalgo of Mexico, Sam Nujoma of Namibia, William the Silent of the Netherlands, Einar Gerhardsm of Norway, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, Carlos Mannel of Cuba, Mustafa Kemal of Turkey, Sukarno of Indonesia, Tunku Abdul Rahman of Malaysia, Mahatma Gandhi of India, Don Stephen Senanayake of Sri Lanka and Mohammad Ali Jinnah of Pakistan. So is Bangabandhu, the Father of the Bangladesh nation. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (1920-1975) is the architect of our country and the nation by all implications of the term. As a matter of fact, what we now call Bangladesh was never independent in the truest sense of the term before 1971. It was Mujib and only Mujib who gave the nation a real touch of freedom. It was quite a trek into the long way of freedom from all-out oppression through autonomy and home rule in which he gave the active lead. He was the fearless fighter of the Language Movement of 1952; the pioneer of the democratic movement of 1962; the architect of the Six-point Movement of 1966; the life-force of the Mass Movement of 1969; the enviable victor of the election of 1970 and, above all, the greatest hero of the Liberation War of 1971. He is undisputedly the founder of independent Bangladesh and, therefore, the Father of the Nation. It is really a matter of regret that we are not well aware of this greatest national leader. But who is to blame for that? As a matter of fact, there has been a long chain of conspiracy to make people oblivious of Bangabandhu. It began with his assassination on the inauspicious August night of 1975. Ever since then the country fell mostly under the sway of despotic military rule accompanied by the corrupt politicians, opportunistic bureaucrats, pseudo-democrats and religious fundamentalists. They had one thing in common i.e. Bangabandhu-bashing. They tried to indemnify the killers of Bangabandhu, and rewarded them with lucrative portfolios. They took sustained efforts to erase the image of Bangabandhu from the minds of the people by distorting history. They tried to obliterate the memories of Bangabandhu from the pages of history, inscriptions of monuments and from whatever holds the recollections of Mujib. The anti-Mujib campaigners are not, however, as powerful as history itself. History takes its own course, maybe after quite a long time. But this is inevitable. So, the anti-Mujib campaigners have vainly tried to change the course of history eventually making a mockery of it. What they had done at best is that they had fooled some people for sometime or what they can still do is that they can fool some people for all time, but they can never fool all people into believing a false story for all time. People must be endowed with a true sense of history today or tomorrow. To look into one's own history and culture and to go for the quest for national identity and cultural heritage have become an imperative in these postcolonial days. Ours is not a poor socio-political and cultural legacy. We fought valiantly a war of independence under the leadership of Bangabandhu. We can very well come up with this political legacy and assert ourselves more. We can uphold the ideals of Bangabandhu to rebuild our nation. Mujib is really Bangabandhu, friend of Bangladesh. And hence he could utter: 'Standing on the gallows, I will tell them, I am a Bengali, Bangla is my country, Bangla is my language”. On the black night of March 25, when it was suggested that he go into hiding, he flatly refused and retorted: “I must share the sufferings of my people along with them. I must share. I cannot leave them in the face of fire. I cannot.” Really he did not flee to safety from the war-torn country. Rather he willingly became the first prey to the marauding force. Love for the motherland had prompted him to take such a risk. Afterwards, over nine long months, day after day and night after night in the dark cell of the prison camp, he longed for the freedom of his country. The unbearable suffering of the dungeon could not sap the strength of his patriotism. On his return home on 10 January 1972, addressing a huge gathering in Suhrawardy Uddyan, Bangabandhu declared: "Bangladesh has earned independence. Now if anybody wants to seize it, Mujib would be the first man to sacrifice his life for the protection of that independence". His country was all important to him. He believed it was his calling to do well to his country, not to look forward to anything in return. He often used to mention the famous quote by President John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country". Such a big man was Bangabandhu! The undisputed Father of independent Bangladesh. To be unaware of this is sheer ignorance. To deny this is an offence against history.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE BY BANGABANDHU AND THE FALSEHOOD OF BNP-JAMAT ALLIANCE BNP-Jamat Alliance has recently come up with an unbelievable and baseless claim that the then Major Zia proclaimed Independence of Bangladesh from Chittagong on 25th March 1971. This is a new invention after 33 years of independence which Zia himself did never claim in his lifetime. This is a blatant lie and concocted story coming out of fertile brains of BNP-Jamat leaders. 2. It is an universally accepted fact that the father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence on 26th March 1971 before his arrest. In his speech broadcast in Radio & TV the Chief of Military Junta General Yahya Khan accused Bangabandhu for this declaration. All contemporary historical records, facts, documents, writings, statements and sayings, both at home and abroad proved it beyond all doubts. For this declaration Bangabandhu had not only to face farcical trial in jail but even a grave was dug for him. Not only this, the diplomats & journalists of USA, UK and other western countries based in Dhaka at that time have all mentioned this declaration by Sheikh Mujib on 26th March 1971. Recently published CIA (USA) report has clearly stated that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence. Even the Pakistani army officers had heard this declaration through BDR wireless (Ref. "Witness to Surrender" by Pakistani Army officer Major Siddik Salek). To this effect he gave witness to Hamudur Rahman commission constituted by Bhutto and this has been published in books and reports. Besides some members of Certifying Committee of "Documents on the war of Independence" published in 1982 by refuting the BNP-Jamat claim have again unequivocally stated that the declaration of the Independence by Sheikh Mujib was a proved document beyond any doubt. Most importantly after independence of the country Ziaur Rahman himself in his article published in the Weekly Bichitra mentioned that he joined the war of independence at the call of Bangabandhu. 3. The undisputed truth of Declaration of war of Independence by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the early hours of 26th March (i.e., 25th March night- just before his arrest), 1971 was duly incorporated as historic documentation at the beginning of the 3rd volume of the 15 volumes of "Documents on the war of Independence." These were published through a project in 1982 under the editorship of the famous Poet-cum-Journalist Late Mr. Hasan Hafizur Rahman and under the supervision of a "Certifying Committee" appointed during the Govt. of late Ziaur Rahman. On the basis of this declaration, the People's Representatives formally adopted "The Proclamation of Independence Order of Bangladesh" on 10th April, 1971. But, to the utter surprise of the nation, the ministry of Freedom Fighter's Affairs of the Alliance Govt. of Khaleda-Nizami has desperately and derogatorily deleted this historic declaration from the new edition of the same volume in the name of re-print. Not only this, they have inserted an imaginary and concocted document "First Declaration of Independence" on 25th March night of 1971 by Major Ziaur Rahman instead of the Declaration of Independence by Bangabandhu. Absolutely dominated by anti-liberation forces, the Govt. of Alliance committed this sort of mischief with the ulterior motive to distort the true history of the emergence of Bangladesh. Their such acts amount to violation of the constitution. As such, storms of protests are coming-up from amongst the living political leaders, bureaucrats, intellectuals, writers, journalists and teachers including the military commanders who actively participated in the war of liberation. 4. The following few historical facts will speak for itself : (A). The declaration of independence of Bangladesh is not a sudden emotional announcement. It is the outcome of or an important stage of the continuous 23 year's of our historic struggle for national liberation. Starting from the language movements (1948-52) through various movements and struggle such as, the Jukta Front (United Front) of 1958, 6-point movement of 1966, Agartala Conspiracy case up to mass upsurge in 1969 on 11-point programme, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made Bangalee's autonomy demand into an irresistible and formidable one. Ayub Khan resigned and Yahya Khan took over Power and declared election. (B). The Parliamentary election was held in 1970. Unprecedented and overwhelming victory of Awami League under the leadership of Bangabandhu in this election and administering Oath of the newly elected M.P's openly in the Race course Maidan was a step forward towards our Independence. (C). When the nation had been awaiting for a central Govt. headed by Sheikh Mujib and the Parliament Session on 3rd March, 1971, President Yahya Khan unilaterally postponed the session sine die even without consulting Sheikh Mujib. The above unilateral act of Yahya Khan ignited fire in the 75 million Bangalees. In order to embrace with the situation, Bangabandhu called for peaceful and non-violent non-cooperation movement. During the entire period of non-cooperation movement, the civil administration of erstwhile East Pakistan was virtually under the command and control of Bangbandhu. This was another step forward for independence. (D). At the backdrop of this situation, the historic 7th March came. On that day Bangabandhu in a public meeting attended by millions held at Race Course Maidan called upon the people, "The fight, this time, is for freedom! The struggle, this time, is for independence." This famous speech of Bangabandhu is almost a declaration of Independence. But the wordings of his poetic speech were so thoughtfully and skillfully structured that the Pakistani's as well as the outside world could not term it as an act of cessation or Separatist movement. The opportune moment for declaration of independence in unequivocal terms was not far away. (E) Bangabandhu Knew that the Pak army would crack down on the Bangalees any time. So, he made-up his mind and decided to declare full Independence at an opportune moment. That would be the moment the Pak army would crack down on our Bangali population. Therefore, Bangabandhu got his Declaration of Independence recorded very confidentially with necessary instructions to those who would be pronouncing it at his behest. He also gave necessary directives to his trusted political colleagues about the next course of actions. (F) On 25th March 1971, after a series of drama in the name of dialogues & discussions by the Pak Military Junta and Mr. Bhutoo with Sheikh Mujib and armed forces including Police & students, the Pak army cracked down after midnight on the civilian population with all their sophisticated arms & ammunitions and the moment came for Bangabandhu to declare independence. (G) At that stage, Bangabandhu in the early hours of 26th March, 1971 (before his arrest) declared Independence of Bangladesh which reads as under : "I appeal and order you all in the name of Almighty Allah to fight to the last drop of blood to liberate the country. Ask police, the E.P.R., the Bengal Regiment and the Ansars to stand by you and to fight. No compromise. Victory is ours." 5. The above Declaration of Independence by Bangabandhu started transmitting immediately in the form of a message through a portable Transmitter by Subeder Major Md. Showkat Ali of E.P.R. signals installed at his Pilkhana residence. As soon as the message of declaration of Indepen- dence started transmitting, Bangabandhu was arrested by the Pak army at 1-10 A. M. of 26th March and flown to Karachi as a prisoner. Meanwhile, Subeder Major Shoukat Ali and his fellow comrades were caught red-handed by the Pak army exactly in the position of transmitting the Declaration of Independence. After arrest, these heroes of E.P.R. Signals were continuously and brutally tortured to martyrdom These facts were clearly narrated by the only daughter of Subeder Major Md. Showkat Ali Professor Dr. Selina Parveen, Department of Zoology, University of Rajshahi through her writings published in the Daily Janakhanta on 24th July, 2004 and in the Daily Sangbad on 31st March, 1997 including many other Journals at home and abroad. 6. According to the plan, the Declaration of Independence by Bangabandhu had started being announced through miking and leaflets as soon as this was received in Chittagong and in other places of the country including adjacent districts of Dhaka. On 26th March, Mr. M. A. Hannan, an Awami League leader of Chittagong received the message and he was the first person to read out Bangabandhu's Declaration of Independence from Radio, Chittagong. 7. On the following day i.e., on 27th March evening, the then Major Zia the senior most officer available at that time while fleeing for life was forced by local Awami League Leaders to read out the Declaration of independence in the name of Bangabandhu in the following way : "On behalf of our great leader, the Supreme Commander of Bangladesh Sheikh Mjibur Rahman, we hereby proclaim the Independence of Bangladesh." 8. Major Zia also reiterated the same in one of his own writings published in the erstwhile Dainik Bangla on 26th March, 1972 which was re-published in the Independence Day edition of the Daily Janakhanta in 2002. The writings of Major Zia also has been supported by his co-fighters like Captain Shamser Mobin Chowdhury (now Foreign secretary), Captain Nasim B.B. (later on General and Chief of the Army Staff) and Captain S. A. Bhuiya (later on General). All these lead to one conclusion that the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Proclaimed independence on 26th March 1971 and the war of liberation went on in his name and finally Bangladesh won its liberations after great sacrifice. Zia was not more than one of the sector Commanders. 9. Now let us examine the of BNP-Jamat claim for declaration of independence by Zia on 25th March : (A) It is quite noteworthy that no other political or war colleague of Zia had ever claimed that Zia declared independence on 25th March 1971. Even before this Alliance Govt. came to power BNP did not also raise such baseless claim earlier. Rather the historical truth is that Zia as a loyal officer of Pakistani army was actively and zealously engaged on 25th & 26th March for unloading arms and ammunitions for Pakistani army from the ship 'SWAT' anchored at Chittagong port. (B) In this connection it is also important to note that Ziaur Rahman had not to face any accusation from Pakistan for his so-called declaration of independence. Rather Pakistani rulers congratulated him for his appointment as chief of Army just after 8 days of the murder of Bangabandhu on 15th August 1975. (C) Further during Bangabandhu's lifetime when Zia was Dy. Chief of Army knowing fully well about 15th August conspiracy did not take any measure to protect the elected Govt. and did not do anything to save the life of the President (Bangabandhu) of the country. This was a treachery and failure on the part of Zia which could have called for his court-martial, which did not happen. The self proclaimed murderers of Bangabandhu had told that the murders of 15th August and the revolt happened with the full consent of Ziaur Rahman. And as a reward the murderer Khondoker Mustaq Ahmed appointed him Chief of Army within 8 days of the murder of Sheikh Mujib. This goes to prove that Zia himself was associated with the murder of Bangabandhu. He betrayed his president and his oath of allegiance. (D) His disloyalty to nation and lust for power are quite evident from the following: If, indeed, Zia had truly accepted war of freedom and remained faithful to the Principles and vows for freedom, he would not give indulgence to the murderers of Bangabandhu and would not reward them. Had he been a real freedom fighter, he would not have declared himself the President of Bangladesh illegally betraying the ideals and perception of freedom fight. He would not also change the constitution by military orders, appoint anti-liberation politicians in power, pardon Razakars by abolishing Collaborator's Act, allow communal parties and give them opportunity to take part in politics and would not bring back war criminal Ghulam Azam and allow reorganize fundamentalist party the Jamate Islami. (E) Last, but not the least, how can one imagine that the sudden call of an unknown Major in a radio can inspire a nation to rise and fight for freedom unless the ground was prepared for this. Here comes the name of Bangabandhu who worked for long 23 years to prepare the ground and united the nation for the great struggle and at his clarion call on 26th March 1971, the nation woke up and fought for independence till it was achieved. 10. The Declaration of Independence by Bangabandhu is the genesis of the Proclamation of Independence Order of Bangladesh on 10th March 1971. Since our constitution is framed on the basis and spirit of this proclamation, the declaration of Independence has become an integral part of the constitution. It basically became an interim Constitution and gave legitimacy to Revolutionary Mujib Nagar Govt. formed with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the President, and Supreme Commander of all Forces, Syed Nazrul Islam as Acting President, Taj Uddin Ahmed as the Prime Minister. Major Zia acted as a sector Commander only. The Fourth Schedule is very important. This Schedule is related to "Transitional and temporary Provisions" of the constitution which includes the Proclamation of Independence. As regards this Schedule, Article 150 of the Constitution states "the Transitional and temporary Provision, set out in the fourth Schedule shall have effect notwithstanding any other Provisions of this constitution." On the otherhand, the proclamation of Independence has been included as Appendix I of the constitution. 11. So, it is an established and recognized fact that nobody, but Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the Independence of Bangladesh which has been duly incorporated in the constitution. Moreover nobody other than Bangabandhu had the legitimate right to and he did declare the Independence of Bangladesh. Therefore, the attempt of the Govt. of Alliance by incorporating the fake & false declaration by Major Zia is a violation of the constitution. 12. Now it is clear that the claim of the BNP-Jamat Govt. regarding Declaration of Independence by Major Zia is a sheer lie and an attempt to distort the true history. Such a lie is undoubtedly a great sin & these would be made accountable to the people who has already rejected their false, fabricated and concocted claim. 13. From the above discussion it is clear that the Khelada-Nizami's Govt. aim is not only to establish Zia as the proclaimer of Independence. Their real object is to show the independence as disputed, illegal and unlawful by proving Bangaldesh's independence war as a mere mutiny or revolt of armies. If it can be proved that Bangbandhu did not proclaim independence on 26th March then the Declaration of Independence on 10th April 1971 becomes illegal and Mujib Nagar Govt. does not have any constitutional basis. By the false claim that Zia declared independence on 26th March, they want to mislead the people and according to the demand of the defeated foes of Bangladesh and collaboraters of Pakistani forces the Khaleda-Nizami Govt. by amending Constitution, changing national flag and anthem wish to make Bangladesh a theocratic and communal state. With this far-reaching aim they have taken move to change history and resorted to distortion With the same object in mind their conspiracy to deface the name of Banganbdhu from the history of nation and destroy the Awami League, have been continuing. The introduction of distorted history of independence and war of Independence in the text books is not an isolated issue. It is a part of a big game. THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE Soon after the Pakistani army crackdown on the night of March 25, 1971, the first declaration of independence was made over the radio by M. A. Hannan. Very few people heard this declaration and Major Zia's famous "Ami Major Zia Bolchhi" declaration over Chittagong radio on March 27 was picked up by foreign news agency and was given wide publicity. IN ENGLISH "Today Bangladesh is a sovereign and independent country. On Thursday night West Pakistani armed forces suddenly attacked the police barracks at Razarbagh and the EPR headquarters at Pilkhana in Dhaka. Many innocent and unarmed have been killed in Dhaka city and other places of Bangladesh. Violent clashes between EPR and Police on the one hand and the armed forces of Pindi on the other, are going on. The Bengalis are fighting the enemy with great courage for an independent Bangladesh. May God aid us in our fight for freedom. Joy Bangla."

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE BY BANGABANDHU AND THE FALSEHOOD OF BNP-JAMAT ALLIANCE BNP-Jamat Alliance has recently come up with an unbelievable and baseless claim that the then Major Zia proclaimed Independence of Bangladesh from Chittagong on 25th March 1971. This is a new invention after 33 years of independence which Zia himself did never claim in his lifetime. This is a blatant lie and concocted story coming out of fertile brains of BNP-Jamat leaders. 2. It is an universally accepted fact that the father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence on 26th March 1971 before his arrest. In his speech broadcast in Radio & TV the Chief of Military Junta General Yahya Khan accused Bangabandhu for this declaration. All contemporary historical records, facts, documents, writings, statements and sayings, both at home and abroad proved it beyond all doubts. For this declaration Bangabandhu had not only to face farcical trial in jail but even a grave was dug for him. Not only this, the diplomats & journalists of USA, UK and other western countries based in Dhaka at that time have all mentioned this declaration by Sheikh Mujib on 26th March 1971. Recently published CIA (USA) report has clearly stated that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence. Even the Pakistani army officers had heard this declaration through BDR wireless (Ref. "Witness to Surrender" by Pakistani Army officer Major Siddik Salek). To this effect he gave witness to Hamudur Rahman commission constituted by Bhutto and this has been published in books and reports. Besides some members of Certifying Committee of "Documents on the war of Independence" published in 1982 by refuting the BNP-Jamat claim have again unequivocally stated that the declaration of the Independence by Sheikh Mujib was a proved document beyond any doubt. Most importantly after independence of the country Ziaur Rahman himself in his article published in the Weekly Bichitra mentioned that he joined the war of independence at the call of Bangabandhu. 3. The undisputed truth of Declaration of war of Independence by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the early hours of 26th March (i.e., 25th March night- just before his arrest), 1971 was duly incorporated as historic documentation at the beginning of the 3rd volume of the 15 volumes of "Documents on the war of Independence." These were published through a project in 1982 under the editorship of the famous Poet-cum-Journalist Late Mr. Hasan Hafizur Rahman and under the supervision of a "Certifying Committee" appointed during the Govt. of late Ziaur Rahman. On the basis of this declaration, the People's Representatives formally adopted "The Proclamation of Independence Order of Bangladesh" on 10th April, 1971. But, to the utter surprise of the nation, the ministry of Freedom Fighter's Affairs of the Alliance Govt. of Khaleda-Nizami has desperately and derogatorily deleted this historic declaration from the new edition of the same volume in the name of re-print. Not only this, they have inserted an imaginary and concocted document "First Declaration of Independence" on 25th March night of 1971 by Major Ziaur Rahman instead of the Declaration of Independence by Bangabandhu. Absolutely dominated by anti-liberation forces, the Govt. of Alliance committed this sort of mischief with the ulterior motive to distort the true history of the emergence of Bangladesh. Their such acts amount to violation of the constitution. As such, storms of protests are coming-up from amongst the living political leaders, bureaucrats, intellectuals, writers, journalists and teachers including the military commanders who actively participated in the war of liberation. 4. The following few historical facts will speak for itself : (A). The declaration of independence of Bangladesh is not a sudden emotional announcement. It is the outcome of or an important stage of the continuous 23 year's of our historic struggle for national liberation. Starting from the language movements (1948-52) through various movements and struggle such as, the Jukta Front (United Front) of 1958, 6-point movement of 1966, Agartala Conspiracy case up to mass upsurge in 1969 on 11-point programme, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made Bangalee's autonomy demand into an irresistible and formidable one. Ayub Khan resigned and Yahya Khan took over Power and declared election. (B). The Parliamentary election was held in 1970. Unprecedented and overwhelming victory of Awami League under the leadership of Bangabandhu in this election and administering Oath of the newly elected M.P's openly in the Race course Maidan was a step forward towards our Independence. (C). When the nation had been awaiting for a central Govt. headed by Sheikh Mujib and the Parliament Session on 3rd March, 1971, President Yahya Khan unilaterally postponed the session sine die even without consulting Sheikh Mujib. The above unilateral act of Yahya Khan ignited fire in the 75 million Bangalees. In order to embrace with the situation, Bangabandhu called for peaceful and non-violent non-cooperation movement. During the entire period of non-cooperation movement, the civil administration of erstwhile East Pakistan was virtually under the command and control of Bangbandhu. This was another step forward for independence. (D). At the backdrop of this situation, the historic 7th March came. On that day Bangabandhu in a public meeting attended by millions held at Race Course Maidan called upon the people, "The fight, this time, is for freedom! The struggle, this time, is for independence." This famous speech of Bangabandhu is almost a declaration of Independence. But the wordings of his poetic speech were so thoughtfully and skillfully structured that the Pakistani's as well as the outside world could not term it as an act of cessation or Separatist movement. The opportune moment for declaration of independence in unequivocal terms was not far away. (E) Bangabandhu Knew that the Pak army would crack down on the Bangalees any time. So, he made-up his mind and decided to declare full Independence at an opportune moment. That would be the moment the Pak army would crack down on our Bangali population. Therefore, Bangabandhu got his Declaration of Independence recorded very confidentially with necessary instructions to those who would be pronouncing it at his behest. He also gave necessary directives to his trusted political colleagues about the next course of actions. (F) On 25th March 1971, after a series of drama in the name of dialogues & discussions by the Pak Military Junta and Mr. Bhutoo with Sheikh Mujib and armed forces including Police & students, the Pak army cracked down after midnight on the civilian population with all their sophisticated arms & ammunitions and the moment came for Bangabandhu to declare independence. (G) At that stage, Bangabandhu in the early hours of 26th March, 1971 (before his arrest) declared Independence of Bangladesh which reads as under : "I appeal and order you all in the name of Almighty Allah to fight to the last drop of blood to liberate the country. Ask police, the E.P.R., the Bengal Regiment and the Ansars to stand by you and to fight. No compromise. Victory is ours." 5. The above Declaration of Independence by Bangabandhu started transmitting immediately in the form of a message through a portable Transmitter by Subeder Major Md. Showkat Ali of E.P.R. signals installed at his Pilkhana residence. As soon as the message of declaration of Indepen- dence started transmitting, Bangabandhu was arrested by the Pak army at 1-10 A. M. of 26th March and flown to Karachi as a prisoner. Meanwhile, Subeder Major Shoukat Ali and his fellow comrades were caught red-handed by the Pak army exactly in the position of transmitting the Declaration of Independence. After arrest, these heroes of E.P.R. Signals were continuously and brutally tortured to martyrdom These facts were clearly narrated by the only daughter of Subeder Major Md. Showkat Ali Professor Dr. Selina Parveen, Department of Zoology, University of Rajshahi through her writings published in the Daily Janakhanta on 24th July, 2004 and in the Daily Sangbad on 31st March, 1997 including many other Journals at home and abroad. 6. According to the plan, the Declaration of Independence by Bangabandhu had started being announced through miking and leaflets as soon as this was received in Chittagong and in other places of the country including adjacent districts of Dhaka. On 26th March, Mr. M. A. Hannan, an Awami League leader of Chittagong received the message and he was the first person to read out Bangabandhu's Declaration of Independence from Radio, Chittagong. 7. On the following day i.e., on 27th March evening, the then Major Zia the senior most officer available at that time while fleeing for life was forced by local Awami League Leaders to read out the Declaration of independence in the name of Bangabandhu in the following way : "On behalf of our great leader, the Supreme Commander of Bangladesh Sheikh Mjibur Rahman, we hereby proclaim the Independence of Bangladesh." 8. Major Zia also reiterated the same in one of his own writings published in the erstwhile Dainik Bangla on 26th March, 1972 which was re-published in the Independence Day edition of the Daily Janakhanta in 2002. The writings of Major Zia also has been supported by his co-fighters like Captain Shamser Mobin Chowdhury (now Foreign secretary), Captain Nasim B.B. (later on General and Chief of the Army Staff) and Captain S. A. Bhuiya (later on General). All these lead to one conclusion that the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Proclaimed independence on 26th March 1971 and the war of liberation went on in his name and finally Bangladesh won its liberations after great sacrifice. Zia was not more than one of the sector Commanders. 9. Now let us examine the of BNP-Jamat claim for declaration of independence by Zia on 25th March : (A) It is quite noteworthy that no other political or war colleague of Zia had ever claimed that Zia declared independence on 25th March 1971. Even before this Alliance Govt. came to power BNP did not also raise such baseless claim earlier. Rather the historical truth is that Zia as a loyal officer of Pakistani army was actively and zealously engaged on 25th & 26th March for unloading arms and ammunitions for Pakistani army from the ship 'SWAT' anchored at Chittagong port. (B) In this connection it is also important to note that Ziaur Rahman had not to face any accusation from Pakistan for his so-called declaration of independence. Rather Pakistani rulers congratulated him for his appointment as chief of Army just after 8 days of the murder of Bangabandhu on 15th August 1975. (C) Further during Bangabandhu's lifetime when Zia was Dy. Chief of Army knowing fully well about 15th August conspiracy did not take any measure to protect the elected Govt. and did not do anything to save the life of the President (Bangabandhu) of the country. This was a treachery and failure on the part of Zia which could have called for his court-martial, which did not happen. The self proclaimed murderers of Bangabandhu had told that the murders of 15th August and the revolt happened with the full consent of Ziaur Rahman. And as a reward the murderer Khondoker Mustaq Ahmed appointed him Chief of Army within 8 days of the murder of Sheikh Mujib. This goes to prove that Zia himself was associated with the murder of Bangabandhu. He betrayed his president and his oath of allegiance. (D) His disloyalty to nation and lust for power are quite evident from the following: If, indeed, Zia had truly accepted war of freedom and remained faithful to the Principles and vows for freedom, he would not give indulgence to the murderers of Bangabandhu and would not reward them. Had he been a real freedom fighter, he would not have declared himself the President of Bangladesh illegally betraying the ideals and perception of freedom fight. He would not also change the constitution by military orders, appoint anti-liberation politicians in power, pardon Razakars by abolishing Collaborator's Act, allow communal parties and give them opportunity to take part in politics and would not bring back war criminal Ghulam Azam and allow reorganize fundamentalist party the Jamate Islami. (E) Last, but not the least, how can one imagine that the sudden call of an unknown Major in a radio can inspire a nation to rise and fight for freedom unless the ground was prepared for this. Here comes the name of Bangabandhu who worked for long 23 years to prepare the ground and united the nation for the great struggle and at his clarion call on 26th March 1971, the nation woke up and fought for independence till it was achieved. 10. The Declaration of Independence by Bangabandhu is the genesis of the Proclamation of Independence Order of Bangladesh on 10th March 1971. Since our constitution is framed on the basis and spirit of this proclamation, the declaration of Independence has become an integral part of the constitution. It basically became an interim Constitution and gave legitimacy to Revolutionary Mujib Nagar Govt. formed with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the President, and Supreme Commander of all Forces, Syed Nazrul Islam as Acting President, Taj Uddin Ahmed as the Prime Minister. Major Zia acted as a sector Commander only. The Fourth Schedule is very important. This Schedule is related to "Transitional and temporary Provisions" of the constitution which includes the Proclamation of Independence. As regards this Schedule, Article 150 of the Constitution states "the Transitional and temporary Provision, set out in the fourth Schedule shall have effect notwithstanding any other Provisions of this constitution." On the otherhand, the proclamation of Independence has been included as Appendix I of the constitution. 11. So, it is an established and recognized fact that nobody, but Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the Independence of Bangladesh which has been duly incorporated in the constitution. Moreover nobody other than Bangabandhu had the legitimate right to and he did declare the Independence of Bangladesh. Therefore, the attempt of the Govt. of Alliance by incorporating the fake & false declaration by Major Zia is a violation of the constitution. 12. Now it is clear that the claim of the BNP-Jamat Govt. regarding Declaration of Independence by Major Zia is a sheer lie and an attempt to distort the true history. Such a lie is undoubtedly a great sin & these would be made accountable to the people who has already rejected their false, fabricated and concocted claim. 13. From the above discussion it is clear that the Khelada-Nizami's Govt. aim is not only to establish Zia as the proclaimer of Independence. Their real object is to show the independence as disputed, illegal and unlawful by proving Bangaldesh's independence war as a mere mutiny or revolt of armies. If it can be proved that Bangbandhu did not proclaim independence on 26th March then the Declaration of Independence on 10th April 1971 becomes illegal and Mujib Nagar Govt. does not have any constitutional basis. By the false claim that Zia declared independence on 26th March, they want to mislead the people and according to the demand of the defeated foes of Bangladesh and collaboraters of Pakistani forces the Khaleda-Nizami Govt. by amending Constitution, changing national flag and anthem wish to make Bangladesh a theocratic and communal state. With this far-reaching aim they have taken move to change history and resorted to distortion With the same object in mind their conspiracy to deface the name of Banganbdhu from the history of nation and destroy the Awami League, have been continuing. The introduction of distorted history of independence and war of Independence in the text books is not an isolated issue. It is a part of a big game. THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE Soon after the Pakistani army crackdown on the night of March 25, 1971, the first declaration of independence was made over the radio by M. A. Hannan. Very few people heard this declaration and Major Zia's famous "Ami Major Zia Bolchhi" declaration over Chittagong radio on March 27 was picked up by foreign news agency and was given wide publicity. IN ENGLISH "Today Bangladesh is a sovereign and independent country. On Thursday night West Pakistani armed forces suddenly attacked the police barracks at Razarbagh and the EPR headquarters at Pilkhana in Dhaka. Many innocent and unarmed have been killed in Dhaka city and other places of Bangladesh. Violent clashes between EPR and Police on the one hand and the armed forces of Pindi on the other, are going on. The Bengalis are fighting the enemy with great courage for an independent Bangladesh. May God aid us in our fight for freedom. Joy Bangla."

SHEIKH HASINA, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, was born on 28 September, 1947 at Tungipara under Gopalganj district. She is the eldest of five children of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of independent Bangladesh. She graduated from the University of Dhaka in 1973. She was elected Vice President of the Students Union of Government Intermediate Girl?s College. She was a member of the students League Unit of Dhaka University and Secretary of the Students League Unit of Rokeya Hall. She actively participated in all the mass movements since her student life. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with the members of his family was martyred on the fateful night of 15 August 1975. Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana were the only survivors as they were in West Germany at that time. Later she went to the United Kingdom from where she started her movement against the autocratic rule in 1980. Sheikh Hasina was unanimously elected President of Bangladesh Awami League in 1981 in her absence, while she was forced to live in exile in New Delhi. Ending six years in exile, she returned home finally on 17 May 1981. In the parliamentary election held in 1986, she won three seats. She was elected Leader of the Opposition. She led the historic mass movement in 1990 and announced the constitutional formula for peaceful transfer of power through Articles 51 and 56 of the Constitution. Following the election of 1991 Sheikh Hasina became Leader of the Opposition in the country?s Fifth Parliament, She steered all the political parties in the parliament towards changing the Presidential system into the Parliamentary one. Sheikh Hasina created awareness among the people and waged a struggle for Non-party Caretaker Government to ensure free and fair polls. Her movement reached the peak after a non-cooperation movement in March 1996 and the provision for Non-party Caretaker Government was incorporated in the Constitution. At the call of Sheikh Hasina a large number of people of all walks of life expressed solidarity with the movement at the ?Janatar Mancha?. In the Parliamentary election held on 12 June 1996, Bangladesh Awami League emerged as the majority party and she assumed the office of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on 23 June 1996. After becoming the Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina adopted a number of pragmatic policies for overall development of the nation including poverty alleviation. During the last four years her government achieved laudable success including signing of the historic 30 year Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with India, signing of historic peace Accord on Chittagong Hill Tracts and inauguration of the Bangabandhu Bridge on the river Jamuna. Sheikh Hasina was conferred Degree of Doctor of Law by the Boston University of the USA on 6 February 1997 and Honorary Doctor of Law by the Waseda University of Japan on 4 July 1997. She was also conferred the Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Liberal Arts by University of Abertay Dundee of the United Kingdom on 25 October, 1997. She was conferred Honorary Degree of Desikottama (Doctor of Literature, honoris causa) by Visva-Bharati University of West Bengal, India on 28 January 1999. She was also conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, on the ground of her distinguished creative contributions in the service of society by the Australian National University on 20 October 1999. Dhaka University conferred Honorary 'Doctor of Laws' degree to Sheikh Hasina on 18 December, 1999 for her outstanding contribution towards peace and democracy. The World famous Catholic University of Brussels, Belgium conferred Honorary Doctorate degree (Doctor Honoris Causa) on Sheikh Hasina on 04 February, 2000 for her decisive role in establishing democracy, protecting human rights and peace. Sheikh Hasina has been conferred Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by the Bridgeport University, USA on 5 September, 2000. Sheikh Hasina has been awarded UNESCO's Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize for 1998 for her remarkable contribution to bringing peace through ending the 25 years of conflict in Chittagong Hill Tracts with political courage and statesmanship. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received prestigious Pearl S. Buck Award '99 on 9 April 2000 in recognition of her vision, courage, achievements in political, economic and humanitarian fields by Randolph Macon Women's College of USA. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been awarded the prestigious CERES' medal to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in recognition to her fight against hunger on 02 August, 1999. The All India Peace Council awarded her 'Mother Teresa Award' in 1998. The Mahatma M K Gandhi Foundation of Oslo, Norway awarded Sheikh Hasina ?M K Gandhi Award? for 1998 for her contribution towards promotion of communal understanding, non violent religions harmony and growth of democracy at the level of grassroots in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina was named Paul Haris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. She was also given Medal of Distinction in 1996-97 and 1998-99 and Head of State Medal in 1996-97 by the International Association of Lions Clubs. She has authored several books including "Why Are They Street Children", "The Origin of Autocracy", 'Miles to Go", "Elimination of Poverty and Some Thoughts", "People and Democracy", "My Dream My Struggle" and "Development for the Masses." She performed holy Hajj and Umrah several times. Sheikh Hasina is the Chairperson of "The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust". She has been helping a lot of poor boys and girls for their education. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, throughout her life has been a strong proponent of peace, freedom and democracy. From an early age, inspired by the lofty ideals and love for the people of her father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the liberator of Bangladesh, she developed a strong sense of identity for the common people. She always spoke out against oppression and violation of human rights. This commitment has hardened over the years, particularly when her parents, brothers and scores of relatives were brutally assassinated by the misguided members of the military in 1975 soon after the independence of Bangladesh. Since that time her resolve for democracy and development for the teeming millions of Bangladesh has become firmly entrenched. She struggled for the return of democracy in Bangladesh and fought valiantly for its establishment in the country in every possible manner. She was committed to making Parliament the centre of all national activities. In 1996, the people of Bangladesh gave her a strong mandate as the Prime Minister of the country. Despite serious resource and constraints and recurrent natural calamity as well as widespread poverty, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during the first two years of her government, has lived up to her unswerving commitment to the cause of peace, democracy, development and human rights. Her first act of peace within months of her assumption of office was the initiative for resolution of the long-standing water-sharing dispute with India through a 30-years treaty. This put an end to a very complex regional dispute. Her visionary idea of a business summit among the political and private sector leaders of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan has added a new chapter in the history of South Asia. Her dedicated leadership also made possible a peace agreement in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, thereby solving the 23-year old insurgency in the Hill districts of Bangladesh. This peace accord brought an area inhabited by nearly 5 million people out of violence and into a time of peace and development. Though the international media has not given much prominence to this accord, it is uniquely remarkable because the peace accord benefited such a large number of people and the whole area has been brought under development programs following the complete surrender of arms by the insurgents. Her quest for peace has taken her to India and Pakistan to talk to the leaders of these two countries soon after the nuclear test urging reduction of tension in the region. Prime Minister Hasina has been a strong advocate for the Culture of Peace at global, regional and national levels. In many major conferences, she espoused the concept of the Culture of Peace, most recently in South Africa at the 12th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) which has a membership of 114 countries. Her initiative has resulted in the first-ever resolution by the Plenary of the United Nations General Assembly on the Culture of Peace. She also provided leadership for the declaration by the UN of the period 2001 to 2010 as the International Decade for Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World. Prime Minister Hasina?s determination for the eradication of poverty, in particular through wide-ranging microcredit programs, has been recognized world-wide. Her co-chairpersonship of the Microcredit Summit in February 1997 which resolved to bring 100 million families of the world out of poverty by 2005 focused world attention to her strong commitment to the eradication of poverty and enlistment of the poorest of the poor. She has been a champion of microcredit by spreading the message in major international forums. Her leadership led to the adoption for the first time by UN General Assembly a far-reaching resolution on the role of microcredit in the eradication of poverty. Along with poverty eradication, she has focused on the empowerment of women and has successfully completed legislation to ensure adequate representation of women in the local government bodies, leading to the election of more than 14,000 women to these bodies in 1997. She has taken major initiatives to stop violence against women and children. She has also provided leadership in the field of education, particularly for the education of girls in her own country as well as advocating it for global support. Her government has greatly enhanced budgetary allocation for primary education focusing on girls? education. To improve the quality of life of the people of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has particularly focused on human development, paying special attention to healthcare, family planning, nutrition, women?s rights and survival and development of children. At the UN and other forums, she has been a major voice in support of the cause of children and their rights. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has, all along her life, defended human rights in every possible way. Her active promotion of the rights of women and children has drawn appreciation by both of government and NGOs as well as international organizations. She has promoted the right to development as having centrality in the human rights regime. At the NAM Summit in South Africa in 1998, her proposal for a Convention on the Right to Development received welcoming endorsement of the Heads of State and Government. She initiated the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission and the office of Ombudsperson as well as Bangladesh?s recent accession to six major human rights instruments including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Her keen interest resulted in the signature by Bangladesh of the Statute for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and ratification of the Landmines Treaty, being the first country in South Asia to do so. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina?s initiative resulted in the hosting of the first-ever conference of the Asian parliamentarians devoted to peace and cooperation in Dhaka in September 1999 which elected her as the first President of the Association of Asian Parliaments for peace established at the conference. At present, as someone who has lost so much personally and has been a victim of oppression and denial of freedom, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stands out as a messenger of peace, democracy, development and human rights. Her leadership of the eighth largest country of the world manifests her concern for the people, seen again during the worst-ever floods in Bangladesh in 1998. ? Sheikh Hasina is the recipient of the UNESCO Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize for 1998 for her role in bringing peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh. ? Sheikh Hasina has been awarded the Mahatma Gandhi Award for 1998 (Oslo, Norway) for her contribution towards promotion of communal understanding, non-violence, religious harmony and growth of grassroots democracy in Bangladesh. ? She has been awarded 1999 CERES Medal for contribution to the agriculture development by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome. ? She is the winner of the 1999 Pearl S. Buck Award for "your vision, your courage and your achievements in political, economic and humanitarian spheres capture the spirit of the award and of the woman who inspired it." ? She has been awarded honorary Doctor of Liberal Arts by the University of Alberta Dundee in the United Kingdom in October 1997. ? She has been conferred honorary Doctor of Laws by the Boston University in the United States and the Waseda University of Japan. ? She has been conferred the degree of Desikottama (Doctor of Literature) by the Visva-Bharati University, India founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. ? She has been conferred honorary Doctor of Laws by the Australian National University in October 1999. ? Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been conferred honorary Doctor of Laws by Dhaka University in December 1999. ? She has been conferred honorary Doctor of Laws by the Catholic University of Brussels in February 2000. ? Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been conferred by the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for her contribution to world peace and development by the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut in the United States on 5 September 2000. Under her leadership her party Bangladesh Awami League led grand alliance to win a landslide victory in the 9th Parliament Election on December 29, 2008 with 262 seats out of 299 in the National Parliament. Sheikh Hasina took oath as Prime Minister of Bangladesh at a ceremony held at Banghabhaban on January 06, 2009. Sheikh Hasina is married having one son and one daughter.

SHEIKH HASINA, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, was born on 28 September, 1947 at Tungipara under Gopalganj district. She is the eldest of five children of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of independent Bangladesh. She graduated from the University of Dhaka in 1973. She was elected Vice President of the Students Union of Government Intermediate Girl?s College. She was a member of the students League Unit of Dhaka University and Secretary of the Students League Unit of Rokeya Hall. She actively participated in all the mass movements since her student life. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with the members of his family was martyred on the fateful night of 15 August 1975. Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana were the only survivors as they were in West Germany at that time. Later she went to the United Kingdom from where she started her movement against the autocratic rule in 1980. Sheikh Hasina was unanimously elected President of Bangladesh Awami League in 1981 in her absence, while she was forced to live in exile in New Delhi. Ending six years in exile, she returned home finally on 17 May 1981. In the parliamentary election held in 1986, she won three seats. She was elected Leader of the Opposition. She led the historic mass movement in 1990 and announced the constitutional formula for peaceful transfer of power through Articles 51 and 56 of the Constitution. Following the election of 1991 Sheikh Hasina became Leader of the Opposition in the country?s Fifth Parliament, She steered all the political parties in the parliament towards changing the Presidential system into the Parliamentary one. Sheikh Hasina created awareness among the people and waged a struggle for Non-party Caretaker Government to ensure free and fair polls. Her movement reached the peak after a non-cooperation movement in March 1996 and the provision for Non-party Caretaker Government was incorporated in the Constitution. At the call of Sheikh Hasina a large number of people of all walks of life expressed solidarity with the movement at the ?Janatar Mancha?. In the Parliamentary election held on 12 June 1996, Bangladesh Awami League emerged as the majority party and she assumed the office of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on 23 June 1996. After becoming the Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina adopted a number of pragmatic policies for overall development of the nation including poverty alleviation. During the last four years her government achieved laudable success including signing of the historic 30 year Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with India, signing of historic peace Accord on Chittagong Hill Tracts and inauguration of the Bangabandhu Bridge on the river Jamuna. Sheikh Hasina was conferred Degree of Doctor of Law by the Boston University of the USA on 6 February 1997 and Honorary Doctor of Law by the Waseda University of Japan on 4 July 1997. She was also conferred the Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Liberal Arts by University of Abertay Dundee of the United Kingdom on 25 October, 1997. She was conferred Honorary Degree of Desikottama (Doctor of Literature, honoris causa) by Visva-Bharati University of West Bengal, India on 28 January 1999. She was also conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, on the ground of her distinguished creative contributions in the service of society by the Australian National University on 20 October 1999. Dhaka University conferred Honorary 'Doctor of Laws' degree to Sheikh Hasina on 18 December, 1999 for her outstanding contribution towards peace and democracy. The World famous Catholic University of Brussels, Belgium conferred Honorary Doctorate degree (Doctor Honoris Causa) on Sheikh Hasina on 04 February, 2000 for her decisive role in establishing democracy, protecting human rights and peace. Sheikh Hasina has been conferred Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by the Bridgeport University, USA on 5 September, 2000. Sheikh Hasina has been awarded UNESCO's Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize for 1998 for her remarkable contribution to bringing peace through ending the 25 years of conflict in Chittagong Hill Tracts with political courage and statesmanship. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received prestigious Pearl S. Buck Award '99 on 9 April 2000 in recognition of her vision, courage, achievements in political, economic and humanitarian fields by Randolph Macon Women's College of USA. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been awarded the prestigious CERES' medal to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in recognition to her fight against hunger on 02 August, 1999. The All India Peace Council awarded her 'Mother Teresa Award' in 1998. The Mahatma M K Gandhi Foundation of Oslo, Norway awarded Sheikh Hasina ?M K Gandhi Award? for 1998 for her contribution towards promotion of communal understanding, non violent religions harmony and growth of democracy at the level of grassroots in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina was named Paul Haris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. She was also given Medal of Distinction in 1996-97 and 1998-99 and Head of State Medal in 1996-97 by the International Association of Lions Clubs. She has authored several books including "Why Are They Street Children", "The Origin of Autocracy", 'Miles to Go", "Elimination of Poverty and Some Thoughts", "People and Democracy", "My Dream My Struggle" and "Development for the Masses." She performed holy Hajj and Umrah several times. Sheikh Hasina is the Chairperson of "The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust". She has been helping a lot of poor boys and girls for their education. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, throughout her life has been a strong proponent of peace, freedom and democracy. From an early age, inspired by the lofty ideals and love for the people of her father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the liberator of Bangladesh, she developed a strong sense of identity for the common people. She always spoke out against oppression and violation of human rights. This commitment has hardened over the years, particularly when her parents, brothers and scores of relatives were brutally assassinated by the misguided members of the military in 1975 soon after the independence of Bangladesh. Since that time her resolve for democracy and development for the teeming millions of Bangladesh has become firmly entrenched. She struggled for the return of democracy in Bangladesh and fought valiantly for its establishment in the country in every possible manner. She was committed to making Parliament the centre of all national activities. In 1996, the people of Bangladesh gave her a strong mandate as the Prime Minister of the country. Despite serious resource and constraints and recurrent natural calamity as well as widespread poverty, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during the first two years of her government, has lived up to her unswerving commitment to the cause of peace, democracy, development and human rights. Her first act of peace within months of her assumption of office was the initiative for resolution of the long-standing water-sharing dispute with India through a 30-years treaty. This put an end to a very complex regional dispute. Her visionary idea of a business summit among the political and private sector leaders of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan has added a new chapter in the history of South Asia. Her dedicated leadership also made possible a peace agreement in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, thereby solving the 23-year old insurgency in the Hill districts of Bangladesh. This peace accord brought an area inhabited by nearly 5 million people out of violence and into a time of peace and development. Though the international media has not given much prominence to this accord, it is uniquely remarkable because the peace accord benefited such a large number of people and the whole area has been brought under development programs following the complete surrender of arms by the insurgents. Her quest for peace has taken her to India and Pakistan to talk to the leaders of these two countries soon after the nuclear test urging reduction of tension in the region. Prime Minister Hasina has been a strong advocate for the Culture of Peace at global, regional and national levels. In many major conferences, she espoused the concept of the Culture of Peace, most recently in South Africa at the 12th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) which has a membership of 114 countries. Her initiative has resulted in the first-ever resolution by the Plenary of the United Nations General Assembly on the Culture of Peace. She also provided leadership for the declaration by the UN of the period 2001 to 2010 as the International Decade for Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World. Prime Minister Hasina?s determination for the eradication of poverty, in particular through wide-ranging microcredit programs, has been recognized world-wide. Her co-chairpersonship of the Microcredit Summit in February 1997 which resolved to bring 100 million families of the world out of poverty by 2005 focused world attention to her strong commitment to the eradication of poverty and enlistment of the poorest of the poor. She has been a champion of microcredit by spreading the message in major international forums. Her leadership led to the adoption for the first time by UN General Assembly a far-reaching resolution on the role of microcredit in the eradication of poverty. Along with poverty eradication, she has focused on the empowerment of women and has successfully completed legislation to ensure adequate representation of women in the local government bodies, leading to the election of more than 14,000 women to these bodies in 1997. She has taken major initiatives to stop violence against women and children. She has also provided leadership in the field of education, particularly for the education of girls in her own country as well as advocating it for global support. Her government has greatly enhanced budgetary allocation for primary education focusing on girls? education. To improve the quality of life of the people of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has particularly focused on human development, paying special attention to healthcare, family planning, nutrition, women?s rights and survival and development of children. At the UN and other forums, she has been a major voice in support of the cause of children and their rights. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has, all along her life, defended human rights in every possible way. Her active promotion of the rights of women and children has drawn appreciation by both of government and NGOs as well as international organizations. She has promoted the right to development as having centrality in the human rights regime. At the NAM Summit in South Africa in 1998, her proposal for a Convention on the Right to Development received welcoming endorsement of the Heads of State and Government. She initiated the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission and the office of Ombudsperson as well as Bangladesh?s recent accession to six major human rights instruments including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Her keen interest resulted in the signature by Bangladesh of the Statute for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and ratification of the Landmines Treaty, being the first country in South Asia to do so. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina?s initiative resulted in the hosting of the first-ever conference of the Asian parliamentarians devoted to peace and cooperation in Dhaka in September 1999 which elected her as the first President of the Association of Asian Parliaments for peace established at the conference. At present, as someone who has lost so much personally and has been a victim of oppression and denial of freedom, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stands out as a messenger of peace, democracy, development and human rights. Her leadership of the eighth largest country of the world manifests her concern for the people, seen again during the worst-ever floods in Bangladesh in 1998. ? Sheikh Hasina is the recipient of the UNESCO Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize for 1998 for her role in bringing peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh. ? Sheikh Hasina has been awarded the Mahatma Gandhi Award for 1998 (Oslo, Norway) for her contribution towards promotion of communal understanding, non-violence, religious harmony and growth of grassroots democracy in Bangladesh. ? She has been awarded 1999 CERES Medal for contribution to the agriculture development by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome. ? She is the winner of the 1999 Pearl S. Buck Award for "your vision, your courage and your achievements in political, economic and humanitarian spheres capture the spirit of the award and of the woman who inspired it." ? She has been awarded honorary Doctor of Liberal Arts by the University of Alberta Dundee in the United Kingdom in October 1997. ? She has been conferred honorary Doctor of Laws by the Boston University in the United States and the Waseda University of Japan. ? She has been conferred the degree of Desikottama (Doctor of Literature) by the Visva-Bharati University, India founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. ? She has been conferred honorary Doctor of Laws by the Australian National University in October 1999. ? Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been conferred honorary Doctor of Laws by Dhaka University in December 1999. ? She has been conferred honorary Doctor of Laws by the Catholic University of Brussels in February 2000. ? Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been conferred by the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for her contribution to world peace and development by the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut in the United States on 5 September 2000. Under her leadership her party Bangladesh Awami League led grand alliance to win a landslide victory in the 9th Parliament Election on December 29, 2008 with 262 seats out of 299 in the National Parliament. Sheikh Hasina took oath as Prime Minister of Bangladesh at a ceremony held at Banghabhaban on January 06, 2009. Sheikh Hasina is married having one son and one daughter.

Razakar (Bengali: ???????) was the name given to a paramilitary force organized by the Pakistan Army during the Bangladesh Liberation Warin 1971. The word razakar, originating from Persian, literally means "volunteer". The Razakar force was composed of mostly pro-Pakistani Bengalis and Urdu-speaking migrants living in erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Initially, the force was under the command of local pro-Pakistani committees, but through the East Pakistan Razakar Ordinance (promulgated by General Tikka Khan on 1 June 1971) and a Ministry of Defence ordinance (promulgated 7 September 1971), Razakars were recognized as members of the Pakistan Army. Razakars were allegedly associated with many of the atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army during the 9-month war (see 1971 Bangladesh atrocities). Creation In 1971, after military cracksdown, Razakar force was created under Pakistan Army Act Sub-Section 1. Under Sub-Section 2 and 5 two other paramilitary forces Al-Badr and Al-Shams were created as well in 1971. The Pakistan government published gazette of these in Spetember,1971 from Rawalpindi's Army Headquarter. After gazette the Razakars started excuting and eliminating pro-independence Bangladeshis. Later on, Pakistani President published notification, and Razakars were receiving monthly salary and ration ( food supplies). Major General Jamsid was head of Razakar force. Al-Badr force was created in October and started operation in November. Shanti Komiti ( Peace Committee ) was created politically where Golam Azam and Khza Khairuddin was in charge of peace committee [1]These Pakistani offsprings were organized into Brigades of around 3-4000 volunteers , mainly armed with Light Infantry weapons provided by the Pakistani Army. Each Razakar Brigade was attached as an auxiliary to two Pakistani Regular Army Brigades, and their main function was to arrest and detain nationalist Bengali suspects. Usually such suspects were often tortured to death in custody. The Razakars were trained in the conventional army fashion by the Pakistan Army. Following the liberation of East Pakistan as the independent country of Bangladesh, most of the leading Razakars, allegedly includingGhulam Azam, fled to Pakistan (previously West Pakistan). Ghulam Azam maintains that he went to Pakistan to participate in the Annual General Meeting of his organization, the Jamaat-e-Islami, but he was forced to remain overseas until General Ziaur Rahman allowed him to return to Bangladesh. Many of the lower ranking Razakars who remained in Bangladesh were killed in the course of reprisals immediately after the end of fighting while as many as 36,000 were imprisoned. Of the latter many were later freed mainly because of pressure from US and China who backed Pakistan in the war, and because Pakistan was holding 200,000 Bengali speaking military and civilian personnel who were stranded in West Pakistan during the war.[2] After the restoration of democracy in 1992, an unofficial and self-proclaimed “People's Court” (Bengali: ??????? Gônoadalot) “sentenced” Ghulam Azam and his ten accomplices to death for war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, as the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party was already a part of the ruling alliance in Bangladesh, the “verdict” was ignored. Moreover, the then Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government re-granted Bangladeshi nationality to Ghulam Azam, as it had been taken from him after the war. Subdued during the rule ofAwami League from 1996-2001, Jamaat-e-Islami returned in full force after the next election in October 2001 in which a four party alliance led by BNP won a landslide victory. The new leader of Jamaat after Ghulam Azam’s retirement, Motiur Rahman Nizami, a Razakar and among the ten people tried by the Gônoadalot, became an influential minister in the government. The word ??????? razakar today carries the meaning "traitor" in common Bangladeshi Bengali parlance, similar to the usage of the word Quisling after the Second World War.

Bangladesh is a small country of South Asia. Its area is 1, 47,570.55 square Kilometres. Most of the people in Bangladesh live by cultivation. It has a huge population of 14 crore. The rate of literacy is 40%.90% percent of the total population is Muslim. Hinduism is the second largest religion. There are also the Christians and the Buddhists in Bangladesh. The density of population is the highest in the world here. Capital City Dhaka is the capital of the country. About 10 million people live in the capital. The other major cities of the country are Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Barisal. The main port of the country is at Chittagong. Khulna is also another port city. Though there are quite a few industries in the country, the country is not that much rich industrially the garment industry is the biggest industry which which brings 55% of the total export earning. We have a parliamentary system of Government Prime minister is the head of the Government who is elected after every five years. Rice is the main staple of the people. We have a poor economy. The per capital income in Bangadesh is about $288. The currency of the country is taka. Rate of female literacy is low. Women are dominated by the male. Bangladesh is a land of Magnificent beauty, the heritage of a natural splendor and a historical legacy that dates back to the 7th century. Unspoiled and often unexplored, the country offers the most exciting experiences to visitors, ranging from closeness with nature at its pristine best to a culture trip into civilizations old and new. Its lavish natural beauty and green opulence is its major pride. The splendors of the seas, beaches, rivers, hills, forests and wildlife entice even the most traveled of tourists. In addition, a resplendent charm is offered by the varied historical, archaeological and cultural sites that stand as sentinels of a majestic past. Moreover, the uniqueness of pre-sent-day Bangladesh with its friendly hospitable people, its tantalizing cuisine, its quaint local customs, its wide array of delicately hand-crafted ware, its artistic and cultural happenings are an added bonus, and the most note-worthy feature that underpins this extensive range of alluring attractions is the incredibly low cost of being a tourist here. Women in development He says tat what is good, great and prosperous in the world is done half by men and half by women. In fact, the contribution of women in every sphere cannot be denied. Once upon a time, women were looked down upon. It was thought that women are born to look after children, for cooking food and for doing household work. Women were not allowed to go to schools of colleges. But with the progression of Science people�??s views are also changed. They are now able to realize that women can also take part in development; they have proved their ability. Sometimes they do better than men. Moreover, it is seen that they are more sincere than men. They have the ability to be a chief of the country. In our country both the Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition party are women and thousands of women are engaged in many important official job. They are working in all sectors of life with efficiency. Women should be encouraged so that they can take part in total development of the family as well as the country. It is true, over the last few years. They have become increasingly visible as providers of productive labor, but they are deprived of equal labor benefits, women, generally work longer hours than men, but they are paid less than men. Undoubtedly it is a heinous conspiracy to undervalue women's work and contribution to our society. Here the family domestic workers are treated brutally too. This under valuation not only reduces women's purchasing power but it also deprives them of legal rights. Thousands of girls here fall victim to dowry system. Their sufferings know no bounds. Besides incidents of bride burning, suicide take place quite often. It is high time we recognized women as equal partners of men. They should be made self-sufficient by giving them proper education and employment. In the modern world the women are self-sufficient by giving them proper education and employment. In the modern world, the women have proved that they can advance with the males shoulder to shoulder. Their role does not caome to an end as a mother or a wife. They have many things to do. A number of avenues are open before them. So, women are one of the powerful assets of Bangladesh. Music of Bangladesh Our traditional songs are losing their popularity and western music is having an inevitable influence on our music and culture.Bangladeshi modern songs are sung in western melody. Even use of the western instrument is inevitable in Bangladesh music. Dhol, Tabla, Sharad, Shetara, Dotara are being replaces bu guitar, drum, keyboard, harmonium and piano etc. Popularity of our traditional songs like jatra, jarigan, sharigan, kabigan, palligiti, Nazrul shangeet Rabindranath shangeet is decreasing. Hindi music and English music are getting popular day by day. Band music and pop music are getting popular fast among the young generation. This is a positive at the same time negative sign because of Hindi music and western music we forget and neglect our rich musical tradition. Bogra * Bihar and Vasu-Bihar, Near Mahasthan * Farrukh Siyars Mosque * Godaibari Dhap, Near Mahasthan * Jiyot kunda * Kherua Mosque Comilla * Salban Vihar, Mainamati �?? Lalmai Dhaka * Audience Hall and Hammam, Lalbag fort * Bibi Pari�??s Tomb * Mughal Idgah, Dhanmondi, Dhaka City * Shahi Mosque, Lalbag Fort * Central Shahid Minar * National Poet's Graveyard * Martyred intellectual Memorial * Natioanal Memorial Jessore * Bharat Bhayana * Kayemkhola Jami Mosque * M.M. Datta Bari Jhinaidaha * Galakata Mosque * Gorar Mosque, Barabazar, Jhinaidaha Khulna * Father in law of Rabindranath Tagore Kisorgonj * Aurangzeb�??s Mosque Manikgonj * Baliati Prasad Munshigonj * Baba Adam�??s Mosque * Idrakpur Fort, Munshiganj * Mir Kadim Bridge, Munshigonj Mymansingh * Muktagacha Place, Mymansingh Pabna * Jorbangla Temple, Pabna Town Patuakhali * Do-chala Tomb * Kachichira Mosque Rajshahi * Bagha Mosque, Rajshahi * Putia Palace, also see PUTIA Tangail * Atiya Mosque Chapainawabganj * Choto Sona Masjid Savar * Harish Chandra Raja�??s Mound Tungipara * Monuments of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib National Anthem of Bangladesh in English My Bengal of Gold, I love you Forever your skies, Your air set my heart in tune As if it were a flute. In spring, O mother mine, The fragrance from your mango groves Makes me wild with joy, Ah, what a thrill! In autumn, O mother mine, In the full blossomed paddy fields I have seen spread all over sweet smiles. Ah, what a beauty, what shades, What an affection, and what a tenderness! What a quilt have you spread At the feet of banyan trees And along the banks of rivers! O mother mine, words from your lips Are like nectar to my ears. Ah, what a thrill! If sadness, O mother mine, Casts a gloom on your face, My eyes are filled with tears Bangladesh Liberation War 1971 The Pakistani ruling clique and their vested interest froup began to treat Bangladesh which was then East Pakistan as a colony of west Pakistan. Therefore, under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman a violent mass movement was launched which resulted in a landslide victory of the Awami League at the election of the National Assembly of Pakistan in December 1970. Thus Bangbandhu acquired the right to from the Government of Pakistan with his absolute majority in the Parliament. But under cover of negotiation with the Awami league leader President Yahia Khan hatched a conspiracy. On the fateful night of March 25, 1971, Bangabondhu was taken a prisoner to west Pakistan. They also attacked the Police force, The EPR and the Bengal Regiment who resisted them tooth and nail. The Pak army continued to kill people. Torture women, burn houses loot property and damage crops. One crore of people fled away and took shelter in neighbouring India. Meanwhile East Pakistam Was declared independent Bangladesh. A new government was formed at Mujibnagar. The Mukti Bahini was organized and trained. They began to hit back the Pakistani hordes. In fact, everyone in Bangladesh was a freeom-foghter and did his best to help the Mukti Bahini. While the Mukti Bahini gained in strength and efficency and kept the occupation army in utter embarrassment, the Pakistani forces attacked India because of her support on the Bangladesh issue. Eventually the Mukti Bahini and the Indian forces formed a Joint command and inflicted crushing blows on the enemy in every sector compelling them to surrender. On the 16th of December, 1971 the Pakistani soldiers surrendered their arms to the Joint Command at a ceremony in Dhaka. Thus after long nine months of massacre the war of Liberation came to an end Bangladesh won freedom. Now the 16th of December is observed as the Victory Day. Freedom Fighters: Freedom is the birthright of man, but sometimes this right is denied to a nation by foreign rulers. As a result, armed conflict takes places between and if freedom-loving people and the occupation forces. Sometimes the war continues for years and if the people are united and determined then the freedom fighters win and the country achieves independence. The people of Bangladesh fought a glorious war of independence against the Pakistani occupation forces in 1971. In this Great War the Bangali members of the armed forces the students and the people from all walks of life took part. They fought for long nine months and defeated the well-trained Pakistani forces. Bangladesh became a free country. The people who fought against the Pakistani army and the people who took part in the war effort are called the freedom fighters. Many of the freedom fighters sacrificed their lives for the cause of the motherland. We owe our freedom of these noble freedom sacrificed their lives for the cause of the motherland. We owe our freedom of these noble freedom fighters. The freedom fighters will remain immortal in the history of Bangladesh.