Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 22nd March 2026, 10:30 AM
On 22 March 1971, the streets of Dhaka, particularly Dhanmondi 32, reverberated with the historic cry of “Joy Bangla” as throngs of demonstrators gathered to express their demand for Bengali rights and self-determination. The crowd converged outside the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who addressed the people on multiple occasions, rallying them with impassioned speeches amid deafening slogans and thunderous applause.
In one of his addresses, Sheikh Mujibur declared, “When seven crore Bengalis are united, I will undoubtedly achieve our demands.” In another speech, he affirmed, “I have endured oppression for 23 years, and I will no longer accept it. The blood of our martyrs will not go in vain. If necessary, I will shed more blood, but this time, Bengal’s demand will be realised.”
Newspapers the following day reported the unprecedented scale of the procession, noting that never before had so many demonstrators gathered at Dhanmondi 32 in a single day.
| Time | Event | Key Figures | Outcome/Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Sheikh Mujibur Rahman addresses crowd at Dhanmondi 32 | Sheikh Mujibur Rahman | Mass mobilisation; speeches galvanise public support |
| Midday | Historic meeting at Presidential Palace | Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto | Sheikh Mujibur reaffirms ongoing movement; Bhutto discusses political reconciliation |
| Afternoon | Bhutto convenes advisers at hotel | Zulfikar Ali Bhutto | Crowd protests outside hotel demanding action |
| Evening | Leaders of Pakistan People’s Party meet President | Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, PPP leaders | Consensus reached on political negotiations, contingent on PPP approval |
| Throughout Day | Demonstrations, veteran parades at Baitul Mokarram | Ex-Bengali soldiers, activists | Symbolic display of unity and commitment to independence |
In response to mounting public pressure, Pakistan’s President Yahya Khan announced the postponement of the National Assembly session scheduled for 25 March, citing the need to create an environment conducive to consensus between political parties in both wings of Pakistan.
Elsewhere, at Baitul Mokarram, former Bengali soldiers organised assemblies and parades under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s leadership, pledging unity in the pursuit of national independence. The city’s newspapers published special bulletins under the headline “Banglar Swadhikar” (“Bengal’s Rights”), featuring Sheikh Mujibur’s statements alongside essays by prominent intellectuals, including Professors Mozzaffar Ahmad Chowdhury and Rehman Sobhan.
Cultural activists, including theatre movement leader Ramendu Majumdar, played key roles in mobilising public participation and disseminating information through leaflets and newspapers, further amplifying the momentum of the liberation movement.
The events of 22 March marked a decisive moment in Bangladesh’s struggle for independence, demonstrating the extraordinary unity of its people and the resolute leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the face of impending political upheaval.
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