Bangladesh embassy in Tokyo observed the historic 7th March on Saturday in a befitting manner.

On this day in 1971, Bangabandhu, the undisputed leader of Bangalees, had delivered his epoch-making speech of independence before a mammoth rally at the historic Racecourse Maidan, now Suhrawardy Udyan, in Dhaka city.

In his 19-minute extempore speech before a million freedom-loving people, Bangabandhu had made a clarion call for a non-cooperation movement asking the nation to prepare for the war of independence to liberate the country from the exploitative Pakistan regime.

The embassy organized a programme at the Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Mission marking the historic day.

The programme was started with observing one-minute silence and special prayers for the salvation and peace of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his family members and for the valiant martyrs of the liberation war who sacrificed their lives in 1971.

Later, messages from the President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh on the occasion were read out to the audience.

Charge d’ Affaires, Dr Sahida Akter in her remarks paid homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and elaborated the significance of the speech of Bangabandhu.

She mentioned that the historic speech was recognized by UNESCO as the World Documentary Heritage because of its depth and universal insight for the people seeking freedom.

She also stressed on the events to be celebrated throughout the year on the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and hoped that the Bangladeshi expatriates in Japan would join the events .

The audience then took part in a vibrant discussion session followed by screening a video documentary on the significance of the day, which was attended by the officials and staff of the Mission and many community members