Independence Day (Bangladesh)

Independence Day
The first flag of the independent Bangladesh, which was subsequently replaced by the current version.
Official name	Independence Day of Bangladesh
Observed by	Bangladesh
Type	National holiday
Celebrations	Flag hoisting, parades, award ceremonies, singing patriotic songs and the national anthem, speeches by the President and Prime Minister, entertainment and cultural programs.
Date	March 26
Next time	26 March 2018 (2018-03-26)
Frequency	Annual

The Independence Day of Bangladesh (Bengali: স্বাধীনতা দিবস Shadhinôta Dibôs), also referred to as 26 March, is a national holiday. It commemorates the country's declaration of independence from Pakistan in the late hours of 25 March 1971.

Once after the 1970 Pakistan elections, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman linguistically and culturally of Bangla background, then head of the largest political party of Pakistan, the Awami League, had won with a clear majority, the Pakistan establishment was not willing to hand over power or be led by Mujib. Negotiations began, but Sheikh Mujib's reputation was such that the ruling Punjabi leadership never trusted him, let alone by the Pakistan established, no matter Mujib's efforts. When all indications gradually surfaced crystal clear, promises given were not followed through, the whole nation of Bangla speaking Muslims and Hindus of East Pakistan dived into the spirit and vibe of a real struggle.

Mujib was still determined to keep Pakistan united under his legitimate and legal claim and did not commit the nation politically for independence neither called upon the masses with such an endeavor. He, however delivered an emotion loaded angry speech as response filled with warnings of a struggle for independence, displaying his strength of political control over society. Out in the streets the reaction was boiling as another fighting spirit with independence aspirations was inciting outright struggle with his fiery speeches to huge crowds around the nation, Maulana Bhasani. The crowd was furious as they were being ruled by another country and ultimately desired protest, the protest lead to deaths as well. The West Pakistan arrested Mujibur for inspiring Bengali people with the furious quote to resemble anger.

Initially the Pakistan authorities called curfews, paved way for huge influx of military hardware and personnel from western Pakistan by sea and air. Pakistan authorities also blocked supplies going to the general population. Killings and destruction of property was on a climatic rise around the main port cities of Khulna and Chittagong and other important economic points of trade and education. Police and the military units were deployed in numerous areas of the country. Pakistan Urdu and Punjabi speaking personnel rounded up Bangla speaking armed forces officers, NCOs, and enlisted personnel. Forced disappearances went rampant. On the evening of 25 March in an interview with David Frost, Sheikh Mujib still called out openly for negotiation and a united Pakistan. That night the Pakistan Army spilled out to the streets killing and destroying everything on sight. It was official, they were not ready for a peaceful transfer of political power to the Awami League led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.