Dhaka: The Historic 7 March, a memorable day in the history of Bangalees’ long arduous freedom struggle, will be observed on Wednesday with elaborate programmes.

This year, the day bears a great significance as Unesco recogonised the historic March 7 Speech as a world documentary heritage.

On this day in 1971, Bangalees’ undisputed leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered his epoch-making speech of independence before a mammoth rally at the historic Racecourse Maidan, now Suhrawardy Udyan, in the city.

In his 19-minute extempore speech before a million freedom-loving people, Bangabandhu had made a clarion call for a non-cooperation movement asking the nation to prepare for the war of independence to liberate the country from the exploitative Pakistan regime.

‘The struggle this time is for freedom, the struggle this time is for independence, Joy Bangla,’ Bangabandhu declared from the massive rally.

In his speech, compared with US President Abraham Lincoln’s historic Gettysburg speech, Sheikh Mujib said, ‘Since we’ve learnt to give blood, we’ll give more blood. Inshallah, the people of this country must be liberated...Turn every house into a fort. Face (the enemy) with whatever you have.’

Bangabandhu’s speech worked like a magic spell inspiring the entire Bangalee nation to join in the struggle for independence from the autocratic and repressive rule of the then Pakistani military junta.

On October 30 last, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) recognised the Bangabandhu’s historic March 7 Speech as a world documentary heritage.

Awami League and different socio-political and cultural organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner.

The ruling party will hold a public rally at the Suhrawardy Udyan on the occasion.

Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television as well as private television channels and radio stations will air special programmes while national dailies will publish supplements marking the day.

Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages recalling with gratitude courageous and farsighted leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in materialising the nation’s journey to freedom through his March 7 Speech.

In a message, the President said, ‘Bangabandhu’s dream was to turn Bangladesh into ‘Sonar Bangla’. We should take steps to fulfill the dream of the Father of the Nation.’

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh said, ‘The historic speech of the Father of the Nation was the source of the immeasurable strength during the Liberation War. The everlasting speech will inspire the deprived, engrossed and freedom seeking people of the world.’

The Prime Minister on behalf of her government and the Bangalee nation thanked the Unesco authorities for recognising the speech as part of the world’s documentary heritage.