National Revolution and Solidarity Day today

The country observes National Revolution and Solidarity Day today, commemorating the 1975 uprising that brought a dramatic turn in Bangladesh’s political and military history and led to the release of then-Major General Ziaur Rahman from house arrest.

The day will be observed nationally with various programmes by political parties, social and cultural organisations, marking the 51st anniversary of the historic events of 7 November 1975. The government has declared the day a public holiday. President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have issued separate messages on the occasion.

In his message, the President called upon all to work together to build a democratic, just, humane, and secure Bangladesh by eliminating corruption, discrimination, and all conspiracies, being inspired by the spirit of 7 November. “The historic 7 November remains an unforgettable day in our national life and a defining moment in the history of Bangladesh,” he said.

Fakhrul extended heartfelt greetings and felicitations to all citizens of Bangladesh and paid profound tribute to the valiant soldiers and patriotic people who participated in the epoch-making soldiers’ and people’s revolution on 7 November 1975.

The President said the solidarity of soldiers and people represented an unprecedented national awakening inspired by the spirit of independence. “Our Armed Forces have consistently demonstrated unity and solidarity in safeguarding the country’s independence, sovereignty and the rights of its people,” he said. The same spirit was rekindled during the mass uprising of 2024, he said.

Recalling the contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Fakhrul said he restored multiparty democracy, the rule of law, freedom of expression and freedom of the press; and laid the foundations for economic emancipation and social peace.

“He freed the country from a submissive foreign policy and, guided by the principles of Bangladeshi nationalism, led the nation towards development, progress and prosperity. He fostered national unity and established good governance at all levels,” said Fakhrul.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in his message, wished that the revolutionary spirit of 7 November would serve as the inspiration and guiding force for building the future Bangladesh.

The premier said that on 7 November 1975, soldiers and people of Bangladesh had united to thwart all conspiracies against the country’s independence and sovereignty. “Those who remain preoccupied with the past are blind in one eye, while those who forget the past are blind in both eyes,” he said. He also said he believes that the historic 7 November 1975 was a defining date in determining Bangladesh’s course.

Tarique Rahman said the defeated forces of 7 November 1975 carried out the planned massacre of military personnel at the BDR Headquarters in Pilkhana, undermining the glory and dignity of the armed forces.

They also deprived the people of their voting rights and democratic and political freedoms, establishing a fascist regime in the country, he said.

Finally, after more than a decade and a half, the country was freed from fascism through a bloody mass uprising led by brave students and people, at the cost of thousands of martyrs, said the premier. “Our foremost commitment on this year’s 7 November should be to ensure that no one can ever again deprive the country and its people of their rights or turn Bangladesh into a subservient state. National unity is essential to fulfil this commitment,” he said. The government has drawn up an elaborate programme to mark the day.

The national flag will be hoisted atop government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings, educational institutions and Bangladesh missions abroad. Major roads and road islands will also be decorated with national flags.

The day’s programmes include discussions at district and upazila levels, children’s drawing competitions and cultural events organised by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

State-run television and radio channels, along with private broadcasters, will air special programmes marking the historic day.

The armed forces will also organise various programmes, including a colourful display at the Army Stadium in Dhaka under the supervision of the Bangladesh Cadet Corps.

Special prayers and munajat will be offered at mosques across the country, seeking peace, prosperity and progress for the nation. Similar prayers will be held at temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship. Improved meals will be served to inmates and residents of hospitals, prisons, orphanages, child centres, Shishu Paribars, Shishu Sadans, juvenile correction centres, Shanti Nibash facilities and institutions for vagrants. All children’s parks across the country will remain open free of charge throughout the day under the management of city corporations and municipalities.

Educational institutions will organise special discussions and essay competitions. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will arrange the publication of special articles, literary supplements and commemorative supplements in national newspapers, while the Ministry of Cultural Affairs will host an open-air concert on Manik Mia Avenue where seven popular bands will perform.

Documentary films on the occasion will be screened at cinema halls and through mobile vans. Football matches will also be organised at district headquarters and upazilas.

A special commemorative discussion will be held with families of martyred freedom fighters, war-wounded freedom fighters and valiant freedom fighters. Meanwhile, the Dhaka Elevated Expressway will remain toll-free for all vehicles from 6am to 12pm on the occasion of the day. The ruling BNP has also drawn up a seven-day programme for 5–11 November to observe the day.

BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, accompanied by senior national leaders and party activists, will place wreaths at the graves of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at 8:30am to mark the day. The party will also bring out a colourful rally from its central office in Naya Paltan at 3pm. District and metropolitan-level rallies will also be organised across the country that day, while rallies will be held at thana and upazila levels tomorrow.