The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi observed 'Mujibnagar Day' on Monday with High Commissioner Muhammad Imran paying tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the mission on the occasion.

It was on April 17 in in 1971 that the first government of independent Bangladesh was sworn in at Baidyanathtala (Mujibnagar) in now-Meherpur district naming Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the President, Syed Nazrul Islam as Vice-President and Tajuddin Ahmed as the Prime Minister.

Syed Nazrul was made acting President in absence of Bangabandhu who was arrested and jailed in a West Pakistan prison.

To mark the day, the Bangladesh High Commission organised a discussion at Bangabandhu Hall of the chancery which was presided over by the Bangladesh High Commissioner.

The significance of the role the provisional government of Bangladesh played in leading the nine-month War of Liberation and mobilising international support was discussed in detail at the meeting.

Bangladesh High Commissioner Muhammad Imran paid tributes to Bangabandhu "the greatest Bengali of all times" and the four national leaders, namely Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, Captain Mansur Ali and AHM Kamruzzaman.

In his speech, the High Commissioner highlighted the significance of Mujibnagar Day and said the Mujibnagar government has played a historic role in the freedom struggle of Bangladesh.

The 'Mujibnagar Day' messages of President Md. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were also read out by Deputy High Commissioner Md. Nural Islam and Press Minister Shaban Mahmood, respectively.

A documentary on the historic Mujibnagar Day was also screened and a special prayer was offered for the progress and development of the country.

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