The Proclamation of Independence

The Chhatra Sangram Parishad read out the 'Declaration of Independence' in presence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at a rally at Paltan Maidan in Dhaka on March 3 in 1971. It specified the establishment of an independent and sovereign state called 'Bangladesh', setting three goals. The three goals are – the practice of the Bangla language, literature and culture, elimination of inequality and establishment of democracy. The Declaration of Independence outlines the full extent of Bangladesh's independence struggle. And in that proclamation, it was first officially said that the name of this country will be 'Bangladesh'. Earlier, on 5 December 1969, on the death anniversary of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, East Pakistan was renamed 'Bangladesh' by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The proclamation reads: “The name of the independent and sovereign state for seven crores of people living in the land of 54, 506 square miles will be Bangladesh.”

Three Goals Were Set to Be Achieved:

1. Independent and sovereign Bangladesh state will be formed in the world map to introduce Bengali nation and promote Bangla language, culture and rituals.
2. Independent and sovereign Bangladesh state will be formed to establish politics for the welfare of peasants and workers through a socialist economy and eliminating discrimination from the society.
3. Independent and sovereign Bangladesh state will be formed to establish democracy by ensuring freedom of speech and freedom of the press.

The rally also announced Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the Supreme Leader of the independent and sovereign Bangladesh. It also proposed that ‘Amar Sonar Bangla, Ami Tomay Bhalobashi (O My Golden Bangla, I love you)’ by Rabindranath Tagore will be the national anthem of the state. The whole crowd cheered up with the ‘Joy Bangla’ slogan after the proclamation of independence was adopted. The Paltan rally also scheduled for another rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on March 7 from where Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave detailed instructions to the nation.

Ways Asked to Follow for Conducting Liberation Movement:

1. The Shwadhinota Sangram Parishad (Council for Liberation Movement) will be formed in every village, locality, upazila, mohakuma and districts.
2. Cooperation from people of all walks of lives will be sought and they will be united.
3. The Muktibahini (Liberation Force) will be formed by coordinating day labours and farmers in every village and locality.
4. Harmony will be maintained among the Hindu and the Muslim, Bengali and non-Bengali people.
5. Personal communication will be maintained to accelerate the liberation movement and all types of anti-social activities will be curbed.