Nation marks historic Nov 7 today
National Revolution and Solidarity Day, observed on November 7, represents a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s history, highlighting the role of soldiers and ordinary people in shaping the country’s political course and safeguarding its independence and sovereignty.
The day marks the 1975 uprising, when soldiers and civilians joined forces to free the then-army chief, Major General Ziaur Rahman, from captivity following a military coup on November 3 orchestrated by Khaled Mosharraf.
The events unfolded after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members on August 15 that year.
The uprising on the night of November 6-7 led to Ziaur Rahman’s release after four days in captivity and paved the way for his subsequent rise to power.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has described the historic ‘Sepoy-People’s Revolution’ as a defining moment that charted the course of Bangladesh.
The Prime Minister wished success to all programmes organised across the country to commemorate the day.
Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmad, meanwhile, said patriotic soldiers and ordinary people had united on November 7, 1975, to thwart conspiracies by hegemonic forces and strengthen the country’s independence and sovereignty. The day consequently remains a landmark in national history, he said.
According to him, Bangladesh effectively remained without a functioning government from November 3 to 5 following the political upheavals of 1975. During that period, conspirators kept Chief of Army Staff Major General Ziaur Rahman confined to his residence inside the cantonment.
The uprising by soldiers and civilians on the night of November 6 brought an end to the conspiracy and secured his release after four days in captivity.
Zia subsequently addressed the nation over the radio, declaring, “This is Zia speaking.” He called on people to unite and work together to move the country forward.
His brief but timely address helped generate a wave of nationalist sentiment across the country, Syed Abdal Ahmad said, drawing a parallel with Zia’s declaration of Bangladesh’s independence during the Liberation War in 1971.
Nationwide programmes
The government has drawn up extensive programmes to observe National Revolution and Solidarity Day with due solemnity and enthusiasm.
According to a press release issued on November 4 and signed by Faisal Hasan, Public Relations Officer (Director) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the President and the Prime Minister will issue separate messages marking the occasion. Saturday, November 7, will be observed as a Category ‘A’ public holiday.
The national flag will be hoisted on government and private buildings across the country and at Bangladesh missions abroad.
Major roads and road islands will also be decorated with national flags through joint initiatives involving the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, the Local Government Division, city corporations and municipalities.
Special milad-mahfils and prayers will be organised at mosques, while special prayers will also be held at temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship, seeking peace, prosperity and progress for the country.
Special meals will be served at hospitals, prisons, orphanages, child centres, children’s homes, juvenile correction centres, shelters for elderly people and institutions for the destitute.
Children’s parks under city corporations and municipalities will remain open throughout the day without admission charges.
Art competitions will be organised at district and upazila levels with support from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and local administrations.
Educational institutions will also arrange discussions and essay competitions involving teachers and students, following a directive from the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education.
National newspapers will publish special articles, literary supplements and features, while Bangladesh Television, private television channels and radio stations will broadcast special programmes. Documentary films will also be screened in cinemas and through mobile projection units.
The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will organise performances of patriotic songs, discussions highlighting the significance of the day at district and upazila levels, and exhibition football matches.
Special commemorative discussions will involve Bir Muktijoddhas, including families of martyred freedom fighters and those wounded during the Liberation War.
The armed forces will organise national flag-hoisting ceremonies, milad-mahfils, celebratory meals and special darbars. A grand display will also be held at the Army Stadium in Dhaka under the supervision of the Bangladesh Cadet Corps.
Similar commemorative programmes, including prayers, meals and special assemblies, will be arranged at agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs, including the Bangladesh Police, Border Guard Bangladesh, Ansar and VDP, Coast Guard, Department of Prisons, Fire Service and Civil Defence, Department of Narcotics Control, Department of Immigration and Passports, National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre and International Crimes Tribunal.
Commemorative stamp
To mark the occasion, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has unveiled a commemorative postage stamp worth Tk10, along with a first-day cover and a data card.
Although November 7 is a public holiday, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education has instructed educational institutions to hold discussions and essay competitions on the significance of the day, with teachers and students taking part.
The BNP and its like-minded political parties observe November 7 as National Revolution and Solidarity Day.