The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The nation will celebrate the historic homecoming day of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today.

On this day in 1972, Bangabandhu, the founding father of Bangladesh, returned to an independent country after being released from a Pakistani jail earlier.

Pakistan army arrested him on March 25, 1971 from his Dhanmondi residence during the late-night crackdown of Pakistani occupation forces on the people of Bangladesh (then East Pakistan).

The Pakistan junta later sent Bangabandhu to Pakistan (then West Pakistan) and imprisoned him.

After the nation achieved its victory over Pakistan on December 16, 1971 through a nine-month-long Liberation War, the then junta of Pakistan was compelled to free Bangabandhu -- the icon of Bangladesh's struggle for independence.

To observe the day, different organisations and political parties including Awami League (AL) and its front organisations have drawn up elaborate programmes.

At 6:00am, the AL will hoist the national flag and the party flag at its central office, Bangabandhu Bhaban in the capital as well as at its party offices across the country.

Leaders and activists of AL and its front organisations and various other organisations will place wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu on Road 32 at Dhanmondi at 8:00am.

A discussion on the glorious political life of Bangabandhu will be held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center at 3:00pm. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will preside over the meeting.