The Mujibnagar Government takes oath
On 17 April 1971, in a mango grove at Baidyanathtala in Meherpur, the first government of Bangladesh formally took oath. The place was renamed Mujibnagar, and the government is remembered as the Mujibnagar Government.
Background
After the Pakistan Army's attack on the night of 25 March, the elected Awami League leaders crossed the border into India. On 10 April the elected representatives issued the Proclamation of Independence and formed a government, with effect from 26 March.
…in order to ensure for the people of Bangladesh equality, human dignity and social justice…
The ceremony
President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was imprisoned in Pakistan. In his absence, Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam took oath as Acting President and Tajuddin Ahmad as Prime Minister. The Proclamation of Independence was read aloud before local and foreign journalists.
Why it mattered
Under this government the Mukti Bahini was organised, the war was fought across 11 sectors, and diplomats sought recognition abroad. Because a lawful, elected government led it, the war was presented to the world as a nation's fight for independence.
- Proclamation of Independence, Mujibnagar, 10 April 1971.
- Hasan Hafizur Rahman (ed.), Bangladesher Swadhinata Juddho: Dolilpotro, vol. 3, Ministry of Information, 1982.
- Banglapedia, "Mujibnagar Government".