Today, 7 March, marks the anniversary of one of the most pivotal moments in Bangladesh’s history. On this day in 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman addressed a massive gathering at the Racecourse Ground in Dhaka (now Suhrawardy Udyan), delivering an 18-minute speech that would become immortal. This address was more than a political statement; it became the guiding beacon for Bangladesh’s struggle for independence.
In his speech, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman famously declared, “You can no longer hold us back.” In its climactic conclusion, he asserted with unwavering determination:
“This struggle is the struggle for our emancipation; this struggle is the struggle for our independence.”
The global significance of this speech was formally recognised in 2017, when UNESCO inscribed it on the World Heritage Register. Today, it is considered one of the greatest speeches in history, valued not only for its rhetoric but for its enduring influence on a nation’s destiny.
To commemorate this historic day in 2026, the Bangladesh Awami Volunteer League launched a special campaign across Dhaka. Posters celebrating the speech were installed at key locations, including Secretariat, Press Club, Shahbagh, Hatirpool, Banglamotor, Kolabagan, Shukrabad, and Dhanmondi 32.
In addition, the speech was broadcast in the morning from several city footbridges, allowing citizens to experience its power and message across public spaces. Notable broadcast points included:
Footbridge in front of Sheorapara Manipur School
Poribag Footbridge
Western entrance of Dhanmondi 32
Key Details of the 7 March Speech
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Speaker | Sheikh Mujibur Rahman |
| Date | 7 March 1971 |
| Venue | Racecourse Ground, Dhaka (now Suhrawardy Udyan) |
| Duration | 18 minutes |
| Core Message | “This struggle is the struggle for our emancipation; this struggle is the struggle for our independence.” |
| UNESCO Recognition | Inscribed on World Heritage Register in 2017 |
| 2026 Commemoration | Poster installations and speech broadcasts across key Dhaka locations |
The 7 March speech remains a source of boundless inspiration for the Bengali people. It instils courage, determination, and a sense of collective purpose, reminding every generation of the sacrifices made for freedom. More than a historical event, it is a treasured national asset—an enduring symbol of resilience and the spirit of resistance against injustice.
