Freedom fighters pay tribute in Meherpur on historic Mujibnagar Day

Freedom fighters lead tribute at the Mujibnagar Memorial as authorities opt out of official events citing policy constraints

Freedom fighters and their descendants have paid their respects at the Mujibnagar Memorial in Meherpur to mark the historic Mujibnagar Day.

Mokhlesur Rahman, Mujibnagar Upazila unit president of the Muktijoddha Sontan Sangsad Command, noted that wreaths were laid at the monument at 9am on Friday to honour the nation’s greatest sons.

Among those present were freedom fighter Haji Ehsan Ali Khan, retired captain Abdul Malek, and the organisation’s General Secretary Khairul Islam, along with other members.

Notably, members of the Ansar who provided the guard of honour to the first government in 1971 and the artists who performed the national anthem during the oath-taking ceremony were also present.

Every year, Apr 17 is observed as Mujibnagar Day to commemorate the swearing-in of Bangladesh’s first government at the Baidyanathtala mango grove in 1971.

The district administration, however, has clarified that no official events have been organised by the state this year.

Deputy Commissioner Shilpi Rani Roy explained that the administration received no instructions for formal events due to the global situation, the fuel crisis, and the government’s ongoing austerity measures.

Despite the lack of state festivities, a group called “Nagorik Samaj” arriving from Dhaka is set to pay its respects at 3pm, with political and social leaders expected to attend.