History of 1971: March 7

• In the evening Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in a historical congregation of almost 10 lakh people in a 20 minute long speech announces “Ebarer Shongram amader muktir shongram, Ebarer shongram, shadhinotar Shongram” (This war is a war for independence, this war is a war for Freedom)
• Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman reached the Race course premises at 3:15 pm in a white Punjabi and Pajama with the characteristic Black overcoat. As he walked on the stage, the confluence of people welcomed him with Slogans of Joy Bangla. In his speech he urged everyone “raise forts in every house, fight the enemy with what you have at hand”. He also said, “I don’t want the premiership of the country, all I want is the right of the people of this land and if one fire is shot and if one my men is hurt and I am unable to give any advice then you fight, you fight the enemy with what you have at hand. Since we have already shed blood, we will shed even more blood, we will free the people of this country In’shaallah”
• People are chanting slogans in response to the speech urging all to fight for Bangladesh’s Freedom.
• In opposition to the fact that Sheikh Mujib’s Speech is not relayed on Dhaka Betaar, all employed Bangladeshis working in Dhaka Betaar suspended the broadcast of all programs and when the news of the relay reached the people, all Bangladeshis waited eagerly with radio in hand to listen to the historic speech. However the Military authorities decided to bar the speech from being broadcasted and this resulted in the complete breakdown of all work in the radio station. Eventually authorities are forced to allow the speech to be broadcasted and in deep into the night Bangabandhu’s speech is decided to be aired and work resumes in the Dhaka radio station.
• After the speech, in a Press conference in Dhaka, Air Marshall Retired Asghar Ali Khan asked for the handover of power to the Majority winning Party of Awami league and also urged the withdrawal of power from Military authorities.