Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Birthday
Observed annually on March 17th, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Birthday is a holiday observed in Bangladesh. It commemorates the birth of the man many consider to be the father of Bangladesh. It’s a day celebrated by Bangladesh’s president and prime minister laying wreaths at the mausoleum of Bangabandhu in Tungipara.
Bangladesh (Public holiday)It’s also celebrated with special television programs commemorating the event. Since this is a public holiday, government buildings, schools, and most businesses are closed. This holiday is celebrated on the same day as National Children’s Day in Bangladesh.
The History of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Birthday in Bangladesh
On March 17, 1920, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was born in Tungipara village. He was the third child among two sons and four daughters of his parents, Saira Khatun and Sheikh Lutfur Rahman. At a young age, Mujibur Rahman developed an interest in politics and would go on to become an important figure in the Muslim League. The Muslim League was an organization that advocated for the creation of an Islamic state separate from India.
Even though the 1970 general election in Pakistan was won by the Awami League—a party led by Rahman—this led to a power struggle, and Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh on March 26, 1971. This began the War of Independence. In November of that year, India entered the war in support of East Pakistan.
On April 11, 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became the first president of Bangladesh. In 1972, he assumed the role of prime minister. Three years later, he initiated one-party socialist rule and became the country’s fourth president. During a coup, Rahman and his entire family were assassinated in August 1975.
Observing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Birthday in Bangladesh
This holiday is observed by an official ceremony featuring Bangladesh’s President and Prime Minister laying wreaths at the Mazar of Bangabandhu in Tungipara. There are also special programs that air on radio and television on this day celebrating the event.
Bangladesh (Public holiday)
