The historic Mujibnagar Day was observed at Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC on Wednesday, recalling the historic ceremonial oath-taking of the first government of independent Bangladesh on April 17 in 1971.

The day`s programs commenced with placing of a floral wreath by Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran at the bust of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Corner of the Embassy. Officials and employees of the Mission were present during the time, according to a press release received here today.

Later, the messages issued on the occasion by President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were read out by Minister (Commerce) Md. Salim Reza and First Secretary Wahiduzzaman Noor at the Bangabandhu Auditorium.

Afterwards, a documentary -- "Mujibnagar: The First Capital of Bangladesh" -- was screened which was followed by a seminar highlighting the significance of the day.

Taking part in the seminar titled "Mujibnagar Government in the Emergence of Bangladesh", Ambassador Imran paid rich tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and four national leaders -- Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, Captain M Mansur Ali and AHM Qamaruzzaman -- who successfully led the nation`s nine-month war of independence in absence of Bangabandhu.

The ambassador described the Mujibnagar Day as a glorious and memorable day of the country`s history, and Mujibnagar as a symbol of heroics of the Bengali nation.

Ambassador Imran mentioned that the first government of independent Bangladesh performed their responsibilities with utmost devotion, efficiency and sincerity in leading the War of Liberation and mobilizing international opinion in favour of independent Bangladesh.

He said the Mujibnagar Government and independence of Bangladesh are tied to the same thread, and Bangladesh attained incredible achievements in all sectors in continuation of the success of the Mujibnagar Government. He called upon all concerned including expatriate Bangladeshis to spread this success stories across the world.

Ambassador Imran put emphasis on knowing the glorious history of the Bengali nation by all including new generation and said that it will provide strength and inspiration to the nation to move forward with keeping head high.

He urged all to work together to build a hunger-and-poverty-free developed and prosperous "Sonar Bangla" (Golden Bengal) and "Smart Bangladesh" being imbued with the spirit of the Great War of Liberation and ideology of Bangabandhu.

Counsellor (Political) Arifa Rahman Ruma presented the keynote paper at the seminar and discussed in detail the background and importance of the historic day.

She said the Mujibnagar Government`s greatest success was achieving the long-aspired independence by mobilizing the internal and international support and fulfilling the desire of freedom of the exploited and repressed people.

The day`s programs ended with offering a special prayer seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the Father of the Nation, the four national leaders and three million martyrs of the War of Liberation as well as continued peace, progress and prosperity of the nation.

First Secretary Ataur Rahman conducted the programs. BSS