107th birth anniversary of Bangabir M A G Osmani today

The 107th birth anniversary of Bangabir General Muhammad Ataul Gani Osmani, Commander-in-Chief of the country’s 1971 War of Liberation, is being celebrated today, Monday.

Born on September 1, 1918, in Sunamganj, General Osmani played a pivotal role during the 1971 Liberation War as the chief commander of the Mukti Bahini and the Bangladesh military.

On April 11, 1971, Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmad declared the formation of the Bangladesh military infrastructure in a historic speech at the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, appointing M. A. G. Osmani as the Mukti Bahini’s chief commander. Subsequently, the Mujibnagar government, formed on April 17, entrusted Osmani with the responsibility of Supreme Commander of the Liberation Forces. Under his leadership, the country was strategically divided into 11 sectors to efficiently conduct the war effort.

Following the surrender of Pakistani forces on December 16, 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation. On December 26, General Osmani was promoted to the rank of General and appointed as the first Chief of Army Staff of the newly formed Bangladesh. He retired from military service on April 12, 1972, later serving in the cabinet as Minister of Internal Water Transport, Shipping, and Aviation. In 1975, he resigned from his parliamentary seat in protest against the establishment of BAKSAL.

In Sylhet, various programmes are underway to commemorate General Osmani’s legacy. The day’s events include Fateha recitations and wreath-laying ceremonies at his grave in the morning, followed by discussions, prayer gatherings, and essay competitions in the afternoon.

General Osmani remains a symbol of courage and leadership in Bangladesh’s fight for independence.