<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina commenced the day by paying tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with a wreath-laying ceremony at his portrait in Dhanmondi-32, commemorating the pivotal March 7.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The homage took place in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at 7 am, where the Prime Minister stood in solemn silence, honouring the memory and legacy of Bangladesh's independence architect.</div><div><br></div><div>Accompanied by key figures from the Bangladesh Awami League, Sheikh Hasina offered another wreath on behalf of the party, demonstrating collective reverence for Bangabandhu.</div><div><br></div><div>Following the Prime Minister's lead, representatives from Awami League's associate organisations, including Awami Jubo League, Chhatra League, Mohila Awami League, Sramik League, Krishak League, Jubo Mohila League, and Swechchhasebok League, also paid their respects, marking the occasion with wreath-laying.</div><div><br></div><div>On this historic day in 1971, Bangabandhu galvanised the nation with his revolutionary call to arms against Pakistani oppression, setting the stage for Bangladesh's quest for independence.</div><div><br></div><div>In 2017, the speech delivered by Bangabandhu on this day was recognised by UNESCO as a documentary heritage of the world, underlining its significance in the global context, reports UNB</div><div><br></div><div>Bangabandhu's speech, delivered at the then Racecourse Maidan (now Suhrawardy Udyan) to a gathering of over a million patriots, lasted 19 minutes and unequivocally urged Bangalees to engage in a non-cooperation movement against the oppressive Pakistani regime, culminating in the memorable proclamation, "The struggle this time is for freedom, the struggle this time is for independence, Joy Bangla."&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>