Today marks the historic Mujibnagar Day, commemorating the oath-taking ceremony of the newly independent Bangladesh’s provisional government on April 17, 1971.

In previous years, the day was observed with various programmes by the government as well as different political and socio-cultural organisations.

However, no official programmes have been announced this year by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led government to mark the day.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs did not undertake any programme while the Awami League, whose activities are  currently banned for its atrocities during the July uprising in 2024, also did not plan any event marking the historic day.

However, the Rashtra Sanskar Andolan will hold a discussion at its central office in Dhaka to mark the day.

Besides, the Liberation War Museum will also arrange a discussion at Rajshahi University on Friday to commemorate the day.

Apart from these events, a delegation of civil society leaders will visit the spot of oath-taking at Badynathtala in Meherpur today, said a press release.

Following the Pakistan army’s crackdown on unarmed Bengalis on the night of March 25, 1971, senior leaders of the Awami League assembled at Baidyanathtala in Meherpur on April 17 to form the provisional government of independent Bangladesh.

Baidyanathtala, then a mango orchard, was later renamed Mujibnagar after the formation of the government.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was detained in a Pakistan jail, was declared the first president of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, while Syed Nazrul Islam was appointed acting president in his absence.

Tajuddin Ahmed assumed office as the first prime minister, with Khondoker Moshtaque Ahmed, M Mansur Ali, and AHM Qamaruzzaman serving as cabinet members.

The provisional government appointed General MAG Osmani as the commander-in-chief of the Mukti Bahini – Freedom Fighters -- and Major General Abdur Rob as the chief of army staff.

The provisional government played a crucial role in leading the War of Independence, which culminated in the victory on December 16, 1971.