Bangladesh Liberation War History

Early Life and Education

• Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was born on March 17, 1920, in the village of Tungipara, Gopalganj Subdivision (now District), Faridpur District.
• He was the third child of Sheikh Lutfar Rahman and Sheikh Sayera Khatun, who had four daughters and two sons.
• His parents fondly called him "Khoka".

School Life and Activism

• At seven, Sheikh Mujib started his schooling at Gimadanga Primary School in 1927.
• He was admitted to Gopalgonj Public School at nine and later to Gopalgonj Missionary School.
• In 1947, he completed his graduation from Islamia College (currently Maulana Azad College), Kolkata.
• He founded the East Pakistan Muslim Students' League in 1948.
• He protested against the declaration of Urdu as the state language of East Pakistan, leading to his arrest.

Liberation War and Independence

• On March 25, 1971, the Pakistan army launched its campaign of genocide against Bengalis.
• Sheikh Mujibur Rahman proclaimed the Independence of Bangladesh in the early hours of March 26.
• He was arrested and taken to a Pakistani prison after the proclamation.
• Bangladesh was liberated with the surrender of the Pakistan occupation army on December 16, 1971.

Post-Liberation

• Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returned to Dhaka on January 10, 1972, and was welcomed by millions of citizens.
• He was awarded the "Julio Curie" Peace Prize on May 23, 1972, for his contribution to world peace.
• Bangladesh became the 136th member of the United Nations on September 17, 1972.
• Sheikh Mujibur Rahman addressed the United Nations General Assembly in Bangla on September 25, 1972.

Six Point Movement and Struggle

• On February 5, 1966, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman presented his historic six-point programme, known as the charter of freedom of the Bengali nation.
• He travelled extensively to gain support for his programme, leading to his arrest eight times.
• He was imprisoned for nearly three years during this time.

1970 General Election and 7 March Speech

• Awami League achieved absolute majority in the general elections on December 7, 1970.
• On March 7, 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman called for preparations for the war of liberation and independence of Bangladesh in his historic speech at the Racecourse Maidan (Suhrawardy Udyan).