National
Bangladesh Observed Independence Day Today
The Independence Day of Bangladesh is celebrated on 26 March as a national holiday in Bangladesh. It commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from Pakistan in the early hours of 25 March 1971.
In the 1970 Pakistani general election, under the military government of President Yahya Khan, the largest political party Awami League, led by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a clear majority in East Pakistan national seats as well as provincial assembly. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto conspired with Yahya Khan and changed their position, refusing to hand over power to Sheikh Mujib.
Negotiations began between the two sides, however, the ruling West Pakistani leadership did not trust Sheikh Mujib, due to instances such as the Agartala conspiracy case. When it became evident that the promises made by the West Pakistan government were not going to be kept, many East Pakistani Bangla-speaking Muslims and Hindus began a spirited struggle for independence.
On 7 March 1971, Sheikh Mujib gave his famous speech at the Ramna Racecourse, in which he called for a non-cooperation movement.
Authorities, mostly West Pakistani personnel, rounded up Bengali armed forces officers, NCOs, and enlisted personnel. Forced disappearances went rampant. On the evening of 25 March, in an interview with David Frost, Sheikh Mujib still called out openly for negotiation and a united Pakistan. That night the Pakistan Army began Operation Searchlight, conclusively signalling West Pakistan was not ready for a transfer of political power to the Awami League led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.[4]
The Independence of Bangladesh was declared on 26 March 1971 at the first watch by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman . Another declaration was read out on 27 March 1971, by Major Ziaur Rahman, on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Major Zia (who was also a BDF Sector Commander of Sector 1 and later of Sector 11) raised an independent Z Force brigade, Chittagong and the guerilla struggle officially began.
The people of Bangladesh then took part in a nine-month guerilla war against the Pakistan Army and their collaborators, including paramilitary Razakars. This resulted in the death of about 3 million Bangladeshi, as per Awami league and Indian sources, in the Bangladesh War of Independence and Bangladesh Genocide. The BDF, later with military support from India, defeated the Pakistan Army on 16 December 1971, leading to the end of the war and the Surrender of Pakistan.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas, stated on Thursday (25 May) that the recently announced visa policy was intended to assist and uphold the democratic electoral process in Bangladesh.
Following his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, US Ambassador Peter Haas expressed that the new visa policy was implemented in support of the Bangladeshi people, the government of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and all those in Bangladesh who advocate for free and fair elections.
The discussion with FM Momen formed part of their regular series of meetings, during which they addressed various aspects of the growing relationship between the United States and Bangladesh.
Prior to the meeting, the US ambassador also engaged with representatives from major political parties to discuss the new visa policy. Notably, Ambassador Peter Haas emphasized that the policy aimed to curtail visas for individuals who undermine the democratic process, as the United States remains committed to supporting free and fair elections.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh on Thursday morning (25 May), successfully concluding her 3-day official visit to Qatar. Her flight, operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 5:58 am. The purpose of her visit was to participate in the 3rd Qatar Economic Forum (QEF), where she was invited by Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.
During her visit, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina actively engaged in various activities. She attended the Qatar Economic Forum and held a meeting with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani at the Amiri Diwan. Additionally, she had a productive bilateral meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and also met with Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame.
Several prominent figures from Qatar and Saudi Arabia also held discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, along with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, Khalid A. Al-Falih, and Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal Alibrahim, jointly called on her.
During her visit, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took the opportunity to address students at Qatar University and paid a visit to Awsaj Academy. This specialized school, operated under the Qatar Foundation, caters to children with special needs.
Overall, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Qatar was marked by productive engagements, fostering bilateral relations, and active participation in the Qatar Economic Forum, enhancing Bangladesh’s diplomatic ties with Qatar and other nations.
According to the latest bulletin issued by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), several divisions in the country are likely to experience rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty/squally winds.
Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions are expected to be particularly affected, while Khulna and Barishal divisions may experience these conditions in a few places. Additionally, isolated areas across the country might also witness hailstorms.
In another weather-related development, Khulna division, as well as the districts of Madaripur and Pabna, are currently enduring a mild heat wave. However, there are indications that the heat wave may gradually subside in some areas, providing slight relief.
Moreover, both day and night temperatures across the nation are expected to experience a slight decline.
Saturday saw Jashore recording the highest temperature in the country, reaching a scorching 36.8 degrees Celsius. Conversely, Nikli and Rajarhat observed the lowest temperature at a comparatively cooler 24.0 degrees Celsius.
