National Revolution and Solidarity Day today

Bangladesh is observing National Revolution and Solidarity Day today, the 51st anniversary of the 1975 soldiers-and-people’s uprising, with the government and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) holding separate events. A general holiday is being observed across the country.

Political and military turmoil followed the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Aug. 15, 1975. On Nov. 3, an army coup placed the then army chief, Major General Ziaur Rahman, under house arrest at Dhaka Cantonment. Four days later, on Nov. 7, a counter-uprising involving a section of soldiers and ordinary people freed him. His influence and role in the country’s politics later expanded.

The day is a prominent but contested one in Bangladesh’s political history, and parties differ in their assessments of the events of Nov. 7 and their political significance. The BNP regards the day as a symbol of national independence, sovereignty, democracy and unity.

As part of the official programme, the national flag is being hoisted at sunrise at all government, semi-government, autonomous and private institutions. The same is being done at Bangladesh’s embassies and missions abroad. Major roads and traffic islands in the capital and elsewhere have been decorated with national flags.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages for the occasion. The president called on people of all political views to unite to build a democratic, just and humane Bangladesh. The prime minister said the spirit of Nov. 7 should be taken as inspiration for building the country’s future.

The BNP is holding a seven-day programme from Nov. 5 to 11. National and party flags were hoisted at 6 a.m. today at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan and at party offices nationwide. At 11 a.m., party leaders and activists, led by BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, are scheduled to lay wreaths and offer fateha, or prayers, at the graves of martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

A central procession is due to set off at 3 p.m. from in front of the BNP central office in Naya Paltan, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Rahman. It is scheduled to pass through Kakrail, the Chief Justice’s residence, the Hotel InterContinental intersection, Banglamotor and Farmgate before ending at Manik Mia Avenue. The party has also organised processions in districts and metropolitan areas across the country on the same day.

BNP’s affiliated and associated organisations are holding their own events. These include a photo exhibition by Chhatra Dal, discussions by Jubo Dal and Krishak Dal, and a discussion and cultural programme by Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS).