Dhaka – The nation paid profound respect to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of historic Mujibnagar Day marking the formation of Bangladesh’s first government to lead the country’s 1971 liberation war against Pakistan.

Bangladesh’s first government was formed at a mango orchard in Baidyanathtala of Mehepur district on this day after the senior leaders of the then Awami League assembled there in absence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The provisional government led the war and mobilized public opinion across the world.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing wreath at Bangabandhu’s portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in Dhaka on Wednesday.

She stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu.

She also placed another wreath on behalf of her ruling Awami League party.

Later, the leaders of AL’s associate bodies including Jubo League, Chhatra League, Mohila Awami League, Jubo Mohila League, Swechchhasebak League, Sramik League and Krishak League laid wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu.

The historic Mujibnagar Day is being observed marking the oath-taking ceremony of country’s first government on April 17, 1971.

Following the Pakistan army’s genocide on unarmed Bangalees started on the black night of March 25 in 1971, senior leaders of Awami League assembled at Baidyanathtala in Meherpur on April 17 to form the provisional government of independent Bangladesh.

Baidyanathtala was later renamed Mujibnagar after ceremonial formation of the provisional government of Bangladesh.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was declared the first president of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, while Syed Nazrul Islam was appointed as the acting president in Bangabandhu’s absence.

Senior AL leader Tajuddin Ahmed was appointed as the first prime minister, while Khondoker Moshtaque Ahmed, Capt M Mansur Ali and AHM Qamaruzzaman were named as cabinet members.

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