March 26, 1971: Declaration of Independence March 26, 1971: Declaration of Independence Mashuqur Rahman [Headlines: Straits Times, March 27, 1971… The Age, March 29, 1971… New Age, January 22, 2008.] In their March issue , Daily Star newspaper’s monthly magazine Forum has published the article on Bangladesh’s declaration of independence. The article, entitled “ Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro and Bangladesh’s Declaration of Independence “, is based on the post we wrote in January. The March issue of Forum commemorates March 26, 1971, Bangladesh’s independence day. Of particular note are reprinted articles originally written in March 1971 by Rehman Sobhan and Dr. Hameeda Hossain, who were Executive Editor and Editor respectively of the original Forum. These articles offer a fascinating glimpse into the days leading up to the independence of Bangladesh.

– [Mashuqur Rahman with MMR Jalal.] The last message from Dacca Betar Kendro was from announcer Nazma Akhtar: The 75 million people of Bangla Desh, freedom-loving as they are, have been subjected to brutal genocide by the army. The people of Bangla Desh will shed more blood rather than forget the injury. We will never allow the sacrifice to go in vain. Soon after the Pakistan army took over Dacca Betar Kendro in the early hours of March 26, 1971, they renamed the radio station as “Radio Pakistan Dacca” and used it to announce martial law orders. The Pakistan army’s attempt at silencing the voice of the Bengalis had begun. Bengalis however fought back. The war of Bangladesh’s liberation had begun. On the evening of that same day a small radio station started broadcasting defiantly in the face of the Pakistan military’s bloody onslaught on the Bengalis.

The clandestine radio station, located in Kalurghat, north of the city of Chittagong, declared to the world: “The Sheikh has declared the 75 million people of East Pakistan as citizens of the sovereign independent Bangla Desh.” The station called itself Swadhin Bangla Biplobi Betar Kendro (Free Bengal Radio Station). At a later stage, the word “Biplobi” [revolutionary] was dropped from the station name. For the next four days the radio station engaged in a propaganda battle with the Pakistan army. While the Pakistan army claimed all was calm in Bangladesh, the clandestine radio station declared liberation forces were marching on the capital and Pakistani soldiers were surrendering. While the Pakistan army claimed it had crushed the will of the Bengalis, the clandestine radio station declared that the Pakistani military governor General Tikka Khan had been assassinated. While the Pakistan army claimed the Bengalis had been defeated, the clandestine radio station claimed to have formed a provisional government of Bangladesh. In those early days of the genocide, Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro declared to the world that Bengalis would not give up, that Bengalis would fight, and that the sacrifice would not go in vain.

And the world listened. The small radio station in Kalurghat in those four days refused to be silenced. It rallied the morale of the Bengalis and it frustrated the Pakistani army. The men and women of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro and the men of the East Bengal Regiment who defended the station from attack, announced to the world that an organized Bengali resistance was fighting back, ensured that Pakistani tanks and airplanes could not silence the voice of the 75 million people of Bangladesh. — Recently the Bangladesh military government decided to rewrite the history books in Bangladesh to more accurately reflect the history of how the independence of Bangladesh was declared on March 26, 1971. In the tug of war between the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, the history of Bangladesh has been rewritten several times over the past three decades. The AFP reports on the controversy and the recent change: School textbooks in Bangladesh have been revised to reflect the latest government version of the role of two slain leaders when the country won independence in 1971, an official said Wednesday.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led Bangladesh’s bitter independence struggle against Pakistan, is now once again referred to as the “father of the nation,” said Mosir Uddin, head of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board. Sheikh Mujib, who died in a military coup in 1975, is credited with the independence declaration at midnight on March 25, 1971 and referred to by his popular name of “Bangabandhu” or friend of Bengalis in the new texts. In another change, former president Ziaur Rahman, who was slain in an attempted military coup in 1981, was acknowledged to have made an independence proclamation “on behalf of Bangabandhu at Kalurghat Radio Station in Chittagong, on March 27”, he added. School textbooks containing the changes have already been printed and would be read in the schools from January 2008, Uddin said. The place of the two leaders in the nation’s history remains a deeply sensitive subject in Bangladesh.

Since 1991, textbooks have been subject to alterations by governments led alternately by Sheikh Mujib’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina Wajed, and Ziaur’s widow, Khaleda Zia. The two women are bitter rivals and lead the country’s two main political parties. Supporters of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League believe that independence was proclaimed by a regional party leader acting on the instructions of Sheikh Mujib. Members of Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), however, say it was the former army chief Ziaur who made the historic proclamation. In revising the history books, the current government relied on the government’s official history of the war of independence published in 1982: “This is more authentic than the others we have seen in the past. This is based on authentic documents. All the references are taken from the official history of the war of independence published by the information ministry in 1982,” he said. The official history has given rise to the following timeline: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman wrote down an independence declaration sometime after midnight on the morning of March 26, 1971.

Sheikh Mujib’s declaration was broadcast on the day of March 26, 1971 from Kalurghat transmitter in Chittagong. However, very few people heard that broadcast. Ziaur Rahman, then Major Ziaur Rahman, broadcast a declaration on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 27, 1971 from Kalurghat that was picked up by the foreign press and the world came to know about Bangladesh’s declaration of independence. The above timeline is reflected in the Wikipedia article on Bangladesh’s Declaration of Independence, in the Wikipedia article on the Kalurghat radio transmitter, and in the Virtual Bangladesh article on the Declaration of Independence, among others. According to all three articles, the timeline suggests that until Major Ziaur Rahman broadcast his speech on March 27, the outside world did not hear about Bangladesh’s independence. For example, the Wikipedia Kalurghat article states: An English translation of the first declaration of independence by MA Hannan on 26th March 1971… It is believed that the first declaration of independence was not widely noticed by international media and the international community.

Major Ziaur Rahman’s opening words in Bangla, “Ami Major Zia bolchi”, that is, “I am Major Zia speaking,” were picked up by news agencies, and were given wide publicity across the globe. Ami Major Zia bolchi were followed by declaration of a sovereign and independent Bangladesh… These words were picked up first by a Japanese ship anchored in Chittagong harbour, and were flashed to the world. News of Zia’s declaration was first broadcast by Radio Australia, and the world at large came to know of birth of Bangladesh. The Virtual Bangladesh article states: Soon after the Pakistani army crackdown on the night of March 25, 1971, the first declaration of independence was made over the radio by MA Hannan. Very few people heard this declaration and Major Zia’s famous “Ami Major Zia bolchi” declaration over Chittagong radio on March 27 was picked up by foreign news agencies and was given wide publicity. The facts and the available documentary evidence however paint a starkly different picture.

A survey of leading English language newspapers from every continent in the world clearly shows that the world came to know about the independence of Bangladesh from Sheikh Mujib’s original message received in Calcutta on the morning of March 26 and from broadcasts by Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro on the evening of March 26. The Statesman, New Delhi edition, on March 27, 1971 explains the two messages: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made two broadcasts on Friday following the Pakistan troops move to crush his movement, says UNI. In a message to the world broadcast by an unidentified wireless station monitored in Calcutta, the Awami League leader declared that “the enemy” had struck and that the people were fighting gallantly. In a subsequent broadcast over a radio station, describing itself as “Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra” (free Bengal wireless station), monitored in Shillong, he proclaimed Bangla Desh an independent republic. The Statesman, Calcutta edition, on March 27, 1971 lays out the timeline of the two messages from the previous day: Mr.

Rahman, in a message to the world broadcast by an unidentified wireless station monitored in Calcutta this morning declared that the enemy had struck and that the people were fighting gallantly. In a subsequent broadcast over a radio station, describing itself as “Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra” (free Bengal wireless station) monitored in Shillong, Mr. Rahman proclaimed Bangla Desh an independent republic. The Times of India, Bombay edition, on March 27, 1971 provides the text of the message received from the first broadcast in the morning: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman said in a message to the world today that the people of Bangla Desh were fighting gallantly for their freedom. The message, broadcast by an unidentified wireless station, was picked up here. It was believed that the station was located at Chittagong or Chalna in East Pakistan. Mr. Rahman said in the message: “Pakistani armed forces suddenly attacked the East Pakistan Rifles base at Bilkhana and Rajarbagh near here at zero hours today, killing a lot of [text missing]… “Stern fighting is going on with the EPR in Dacca and the police force.

The people are fighting the enemy gallantly for the cause of the freedom of Bangla Desh… Every section of the people of Bangla Desh must resist the enemy forces at all costs in every corner of Bangla Desh… May Allah bless you and help you in the struggle for freedom from the enemy. Jai Bangla.” The Statesman, New Delhi edition, on March 27, 1971 also provides the text of the first message: Mr. Rahman said: “Pakistan armed forces suddenly attacked the East Pakistan Rifle base at Pielkhana and Rajabag police station in Dacca at zero hours on March 26, killing a number of unarmed people. Fierce fighting is going on with East Pakistan Rifles at Dacca… People are fighting gallantly with the enemy for the cause of freedom of Bangla Desh. Every section of the people of Bangla Desh are asked to resist the enemy forces at any cost in every corner of Bangla Desh. May Allah bless you and help in your struggle for freedom from the enemy.

Jai Bangla.” In the evening on March 26, 1971 Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro at Kalurghat came alive for the first time and broadcast multiple messages. These broadcasts were all monitored and reported on. Most significantly, in one report from Kalurghat on the evening of March 26, 1971, the announcer was monitored in India as saying: “The Sheikh has declared the 75 million people of East Pakistan as citizens of the sovereign independent Bangla Desh.” This announcement as well as the previous message was flashed around the world on newswires on the evening of March 26, 1971. Bangladesh’s declaration of independence thus became front page news on nearly all, if not all, major newspapers around the world published the following day on March 27, 1971. A sampling of the reports from March 27, 1971 on English language newspapers on every continent of the world announcing Sheikh Mujib’s declaration of independence can be found at the end of this post.

There is simply no doubt that Bangladesh’s declaration of independence was heard around the world on March 26, 1971 from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro at Kalurghat and reported on in world newspapers the following morning. According to an article in the Bangladesh Observer published on April 23, 1972 the first persons to broadcast Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s declaration of independence in the evening on March 26, 1971 from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro in English were Ashikul Islam, a WAPDA engineer, and in Bengali, Abul Kashem Sandwip. Later in the evening MA Hannan also broadcast the declaration in a speech. Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro continued to broadcast from Kalurghat from March 26 to March 30, when Kalurghat was abandoned due to Pakistani air attacks. On March 28, 1971 Indian newspapers reported that a Major “Jia Khan” or “Zia Khan” had also broadcast an announcement on March 27.

Zia Khan was identified by the announcer as “Chief of the Liberation Army of Bangla Desh.” The Statesman, New Delhi edition, on March 28, 1971 reported: In another broadcast the radio claimed that freedom-loving people of Baluchistan, the North West Frontier Province and Pakhtoonistan had declared independence, following the example of Bangla Desh. The person who spoke on the radio was identified as “Major Jia, Chief of the Liberation Army of Bangla Desh”. The Times of India, Bombay edition, on March 28, 1971 reported: Major Zia Khan, chief of the Bangla Desh liberation army, declared over the free Bangla Radio tonight that Bangla Desh would be rid of the Pakistani military administration in two or three days. The West Punjabi soldiers “will be annihilated” if they did not surrender, he said. The reports misidentified Major Ziaur Rahman as “Zia Khan” or “Jia Khan.” The reports did not make any mention of a declaration of independence by Major Zia on March 27, 1971.

These two reports in the Indian newspapers on March 28 were not picked up by the world press. Beyond the Indian newspapers, a survey of major English language newspapers around the world on March 28, 1971 found no reports on Major Zia’s broadcast on March 27. Some relevant news reports from March 28, 1971 can be found at the end of this post. On March 28, 1971 broadcasts from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro monitored in India announced that a provisional government of Bangla Desh had been formed and that Major Zia Khan or Major Jia Khan (again misidentifying Major Ziaur Rahman) had been declared the temporary head of the provisional government.

The Kalurghat broadcasts announced that the provisional government “would be guided by Banga Bandhu Mujibur Rahman.” The Statesman, New Delhi edition, on March 29, 1971 reported on a speech by Major Zia declaring himself the provisional head: In a broadcast over the Free Bangla Radio Major Jia Khan, commander-in-chief of the “liberation army” said: “I hereby assume the powers of the provisional head of the liberation army of Swadhin Bangla Desh… As provisional head I order the freedom fighters of Bangla Desh to continue the struggle till ultimate victory. Jai Bangla”. He said the enemy was bringing additional troops both by the sea and by the air. He appealed to all peace-loving peoples of the world to come to help of “the democratic minded fighting people of Bangla Desh.” Major Jia claimed that the “liberation army” had killed 300 men of the Punjab Regiment at Comilla. Other men of the regiment fled at the end of the fighting.

This report of the formation of a “provisional government” with “Major Zia Khan” as its temporary head was picked up and widely reported in the world press on March 29, 1971. There was, however, no report of Major Zia’s declaration of independence in the world press on March 29, 1971. The official Bangladesh government document on the Liberation War, published in 1982 in 15 volumes called Bangladesh Swadhinata Juddho: Dalil Potro and used by the current military government to alter the text books, contains the text of Major Ziaur Rahman’s Declaration of Independence in Volume 3: Major Zia, Provisional Commander-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Liberation Army, hereby proclaims, on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the independence of Bangladesh. I also declare, we have already framed a sovereign, legal government under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman which pledges to function as per law and the constitution. The new democratic government is committed to a policy of non-alignment in international relations. It will seek friendship with all nations and strive for international peace.

I appeal to all government to mobilize public opinion in their respective countries against the brutal genocide in Bangladesh. The government under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is sovereign legal government of Bangladesh and is entitled to recognition from all democratic nations of the world. The date for this speech is given in the Dalil Potro as March 27, 1971. The speech is sourced in the Dalil Potro to The Statesman, New Delhi edition, on March 27, 1971. However the March 27, 1971 Statesman, New Delhi edition, does not contain this speech. The first references to Major Zia’s speech cited in the Dalil Potro appeared in the Indian newspapers on March 31, 1971. According to Indian reports the speech was broadcast from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro on the morning of March 30, 1971.

The Statesman, New Delhi edition, on March 31, 1971 reported on page 9: Calcutta, Mar 30 — The government under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the sovereign legal government of Bangla Desh and is entitled to recognition by all democratic countries of the world, Maj Jia Khan, provisional Commander-in-Chief of the Liberation Army, declared this morning, reports UNI. In a broadcast over Free Bangla Radio on behalf of the Sheikh, Maj Jia Khan said: “The new democratic government is committed to a policy of non-alignment in international relations. It will seek friendship with all nations and strive for international peace… We have already formed a sovereign legal Government under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman which pledges to function as per law and the constitution… We therefore appeal to all democratic and peace-loving countries of the world to immediately recognize the legal democratic government of Bangla Desh.” He appealed to all governments to mobilize public opinion in their respective countries against the “brutal genocide” in Bangla Desh. Maj Jia Khan said the Pakistan government was trying to confuse and deceive the people of the world through contradictory statements. “But nobody will be deceived by Yahya Khan and his followers,” he said.

The Times of India, Bombay edition, on March 31, 1971 reported on page 15: Calcutta, March 30. The government under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the sovereign, legal government of Bangla Desh and is entitled to “recognition from all democratic countries of the world.” Major Zia Khan, Provisional Commander-in-Chief of the Liberation Army, declared this morning. In a broadcast over Free Bangla Radio on behalf of the Sheikh, Maj. Zia Khan said: “The new democratic government is committed to a policy of non-alignment in international relations. It will seek friendship with all nations and strive for international peace.” Maj. Zia Khan began the broadcast with these words: “I, Major Zia, Provisional Commander-in-Chief of the Bangla Liberation Army, hereby proclaim on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman the independence of Bangla Desh. “I also declare,” he continued, “we have already formed a sovereign legal government under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman which pledges to function as per law and the constitution.” This speech by Major Zia on March 30 that was reported in the Indian press on March 31 was not widely reported in the world press.

The declaration of independence, as announced on the morning of March 30, 1971 by Major Zia, was not reported in any of the English language world newspapers outside India that were surveyed. A sample of the world papers that did report on the March 30 speech can be found at the end of this post. After Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro ended transmission at Kalurghat in the afternoon of March 30, 1971, Major Zia would make his way to Brahmanbaria and meet up with Major Khalid Musharraf and Major Shafiullah on April 3, 1971. He would go on to serve as a sector commander under Colonel MAG Osmani, the commander in chief of the Mukti Bahini (Bangladesh Liberation Army). Contrary to the conventional wisdom that has developed over the last three decades due to the constant rewriting of Bangladesh’s official history, the world press reports from late March 1971 make clear that Bangladesh’s declaration of independence was widely reported throughout the world based on the broadcasts from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro on March 26, 1971.

There is no doubt that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s original message about attacks on EPR and police barracks in Dhaka at midnight was widely reported in the world press. Although Major Zia’s broadcasts from Kalurghat on March 28 about the creation of a provisional government were widely reported in the world press, Major Ziaur Rahman was not credited in the world press for declaring the independence of Bangladesh. — Recordings: Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro March 28, 1971 — March 30, 1971 Click the button below or download a M3U AUDIO STREAMING of recordings of broadcasts by Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro from March 28, 1971 to March 30, 1971. The recordings include broadcasts by Major Ziaur Rahman, Lieutenant Shamsher Mobin Choudhury, as well as from the civilian announcers of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro. Broadcasts are in both English and Bengali. [display_podcast] Video: Major Ziaur Rahman says he went on air on March 27, 1971.

Bangladesh declares freedom: Foreign news reports March 27, 1971 — March 31, 1971[March 27, 1971.]– Statesman (New Delhi), India — Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, The story of March 26, 1971 , Bangladesh Observer, April 23, 1972. — Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Declaration of Independence , Bangladesh Swadhinata Juddho: Dalil Potro, Volume 3, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, 1982. — Ziaur Rahman’s Declaration of Independence , Bangladesh Swadhinata Juddho: Dalil Potro, Volume 3, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, 1982. — Mujibnagar Proclamation of Independence, April 10, 1971 , Bangladesh Swadhinata Juddho: Dalil Potro, Volume 3, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, 1982.

— Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro transcripts (fragments) , March 26-30, 1971, Bangladesh Swadhinata Juddho: Dalil Potro, Volume 5, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, 1982. March 26, 1971: Bangladesh declares independence March 26, 1971: Bangladesh declares independence March 26, 1971: Bangladesh declares independence Source : Today is Wednesday, March 26, the 86th day of 2008. There are 280 days left in the year. Today's highlight in history On March 26,1971, East Pakistan proclaimed its independence, taking the name Bangladesh. On this date In 1793, Holy Roman Empire declares war on France. In 1885, the Eastman Dry Plate and Film Co of Rochester, New York, manufactures the first commercial motion picture film. In 1881, Romania becomes a monarchy, and King Carol I, of the German house of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, is proclaimed king.

In 1895, Japan occupies Pescadores Islands in Formosa Strait. In 1913, more than 1,400 people perish in floods in US states of Ohio, Indiana and Texas. In 1931, Treaty of friendship is signed between Iraq and Transjordan. In 1953, American Dr Jonas E Salk announces new vaccine to immunise against polio. In 1970, foreign ministers of Islamic countries decide at Jordan meeting to establish permanent secretariat. In 1975, South Vietnamese government announces arrest of several people for plotting to overthrow President Nguyen van Thieu. In 1977, a KLM Boeing 747, attempting to take off, crashes into a Pan Am 747 on the Canary Island of Tenerife, killing 582 people. In 1979, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat sign the Camp David peace treaty at the White House. In 1981, groundbreaking ceremonies take place in Washington, DC, for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

In 1986, Libyan radio calls for Arab suicide squads to strike US embassies and other interests ''wherever they may be.'' In 1987, Greece and Turkey come to brink of war when Turkey sends exploratory vessel into disputed waters in Aegean Sea. In 1988, Iran and Iraq battle for mastery over Kurdistan mountains, just east of Iraqi oil fields. In 1990, police fire on demonstrators in Sebokeng, South Africa, killing 11 people and wounding hundreds. In 1991, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay sign Treaty of Asuncion in the Paraguayan capital, launching the Southern Cone Common Market; soldiers overthrow Mali's military dictator after days of rioting and protests that left dozens dead. In 1993, UN Security Council votes to set up the largest and most expensive peacekeeping operation so far – 30,000 troops and civilians are to go to Somalia. In 1994, OPEC agrees to freeze oil production for the rest of the year after failing to find a formula to cut output and push prices up.

In 1995, Tens of thousands in Manila line the funeral route of a 42-year-old housemaid executed in Singapore for murder, despite recent evidence that she was innocent. In 1996, the International Monetary Fund agrees to offer Russia new loans worth $10.2 billion over the next three years, nearly doubling what Russia owes to the organisation. In 1997, the bodies of 39 members of the Heaven's Gate techno-religious cult who commited suicide are found inside a mansion in Rancho Santa Fe, California. In 1998, US President Bill Clinton becomes the first American head of state to visit South Africa. In 2000, Pope John Paul II crowns his Holy Land sojourn with a stunning gesture to Jews at their holiest site: he places a plea for forgiveness in a nook in the Western Wall in Jerusalem, expressing sorrow for past errors of his church. In 2001, a boarding school fire in Kenya kills 58 boys and seriously injures 28 others.

In 2005, a land mine explodes under a US vehicle in Kabul, killing four soldiers in the deadliest incident for American troops in Afghanistan in almost 10 months. In 2006, Somali radical Islamic militiamen and rivals bury their dead and bring in more fighters during a lull after four days of combat on Mogadishu's outskirts that witnesses say killed at least 93 people and wounded nearly 200. In 2007, Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams, the leaders of Northern Ireland's major Protestant and Catholic parties, open face-to-face relations after four decades of conflict and announce a stunning deal to create a power-sharing administration. Today's birthdays Robert Frost, US poet (1874-1963); Syngman Rhee, South Korea's founding President (1875-1965); Chips Rafferty, Australian actor (1909-1971); Tennessee Williams, US playwright (1911-1983); Leonard Nimoy, US actor (1931--); Erica Jong, US writer (1942--); Diana Ross, US singer (1944--).

Thought for today When elephants fight it is the grass that suffers – Kikuyu proverb. Bangladesh Continual: Independence Day Of Bangladesh - March 26 Saturday, March 26, 2011 Independence Day Of Bangladesh - March 26 March 26 is the national independence day of Bangladesh . This day is celebrated all over the Bangladesh and also all over the world. It commemorates the country's declaration of independence from Pakistan on late hours of 25 March 1971 and the start of Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. The day is a memorial to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians who died in the subsequent Bangladesh Liberation War. The day is a national holiday in Bangladesh, and is celebrated with parades, and paying of respect at Jatiyo Smriti Soudho, the national memorial at Savar near Dhaka . On 7 March 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (soon to be the prime minister) delivered a speech at the Racecourse Ground (Present Suhrawardy Udyan). In this speech he mentioned a further four-point condition to consider the National Assembly Meeting on 25 March: 1. The immediate lifting of martial law. 2.

Immediate withdrawal of all military personnel to their barracks. 3. An inquiry into the loss of life. 4. Immediate transfer of power to the elected representative of the people before the assembly meeting 25 March. He urged "his people" to turn every house into a fort of resistance. He closed his speech saying, "Our struggle is for our freedom. Our struggle is for our independence." This speech is considered the main event that inspired the nation to fight for its independence. General Tikka Khan was flown in to Dhaka to become Governor of East Bengal. East-Pakistani judges, including Justice Siddique, refused to swear him in. A planned military pacification carried out by the Pakistan Army (codenamed Operation Searchlight) started on 25 March to curb the Bengali nationalist movement by taking control of the major cities on 26 March, and then eliminating all opposition, political or military, within one month. Before the beginning of the operation, all foreign journalists were systematically deported from East Pakistan.

The planned and designated centers of offensive operations under that plan were Dhaka , Khulna , Chittagong , Comilla , Jessore , Rajshahi , Rangpur , Saidpur and Sylhet areas, where West Pakistani army units were concentrated. Pakistani Army units and paramilitary elements in other areas of East Pakistan were to maintain control of their respective areas and await reinforcements during the initial phase of the operation. Once Dhaka had been secured, the 9th and 16th divisions from Pakistan were to be airlifted into East Pakistan as reinforcements. When the Operation Search Light was started on the mid night of March 25, 1971 in East Pakistan (Present Bangladesh), the Pakistani Army and Pakistani Rajakar forces were killed many innocent public, students, civilians, children, political leader, political member, old people and many others and they were raped many Bengali girls and women. They were killed thousands of unarmed Bengali people in only one night. After the night of March 25, 1971 , Bangladesh Liberation War broke out in the whole country.

The violence unleashed by the Pakistani forces on 25 March 1971, proved the last straw to the efforts to negotiate a settlement. Following these outrages, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman signed an official declaration that read: “Today Bangladesh is a sovereign and independent country. On Thursday night, West Pakistani armed forces suddenly attacked the police barracks at Razarbagh and the EPR headquarters at Pilkhana in Dhaka . Many innocent and unarmed have been killed in Dhaka city and other places of Bangladesh. Violent clashes between E.P.R. and Police on the one hand and the armed forces of Pakistan on the other are going on. The Bengalis are fighting the enemy with great courage for an independent Bangladesh. May Allah aid us in our fight for freedom. Joy Bangla.” Sheikh Mujib also called upon the people to resist the occupation forces through a radio message. Mujib was arrested on the night of 25–26 March 1971 at about 1:30 a.m. (as per Radio Pakistan’s news on 29 March 1971). A telegram containing the text of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's declaration reached some students in Chittagong .

The message was translated to Bangla by Dr. Manjula Anwar. The students failed to secure permission from higher authorities to broadcast the message from the nearby Agrabad Station of Radio Pakistan. They crossed Kalurghat Bridge into an area controlled by an East Bengal Regiment under Major Ziaur Rahman. Bengali soldiers guarded the station as engineers prepared for transmission. At 19:45 hrs on 27 March 1971, Major Ziaur Rahman broadcast the announcement of the declaration of independence on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur. On 28 March Major Ziaur Rahman made another announcement, which was as follows: “This is Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendro. I, Major Ziaur Rahman, at the direction of Bangobondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, hereby declare that the independent People's Republic of Bangladesh has been established. At his direction, I have taken command as the temporary Head of the Republic. In the name of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, I call upon all Bengalis to rise against the attack by the West Pakistani Army. We shall fight to the last to free our Motherland. By the grace of Allah, victory is ours.

Joy Bangla.” The Kalurghat Radio Station's transmission capability was limited. The message was picked up by a Japanese ship in Bay of Bengal. It was then re-transmitted by Radio Australia and later by the British Broadcasting Corporation. An Awami League leader from Chittagong , M. A. Hannan, is said to have made the first announcement of the declaration of independence over the radio on 26 March 1971. 26 March 1971 is considered the official Independence Day of Bangladesh, and the name Bangladesh was in effect henceforth. In July 1971, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi openly referred to the former East Pakistan as Bangladesh. Some Pakistani and Indian officials continued to use the name "East Pakistan" until 16 December 1971. As a result of announcement by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Major Ziaur Rahman, 26 March is the Independence Day of Bangladesh , which was established thousands of Bengali people’s blood and life and it was also started Bangladesh Liberation War with Mukti Bahini and it concluded with the unconditional surrender of Pakistan forces on December 16, 1971.

Bangladesh Independence Day | Independence Day of Bangladesh World Map / Bangladesh / Bangladesh Independence Day Bangladesh Independence Day The Independence day of Bangladesh is observed on the 26th March every year and is observed as a national holiday. Declaration of Independence Bangladesh was declared independent on 26th March 1971 after a nine-month civil war against the Pakistani Army. Awami League was the main political voice of the people of the Bengali population and played an important role in the freedom struggle. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of the Awami League, who is known as the Father of the Nation, swore in as the first President of the country. Bangladesh was recognized as an independent state on 16th December 1971, the day on which Pakistani forces surrendered to the Allied forces of India-Bangladesh. Current constitution was adopted on 4th November, 1972. History In 1947, after the departure of the British Empire, the region of Bengal was divided along religious lines. As a result, the western part went to newly created Indian state while the Eastern region joined the Pakistan province and was later renamed East Pakistan.

In 1952, the Bengali Language Movement became the first sign of resistance between the two regions of Pakistan following economic and cultural issues. During this period, Awami League appeared as the sole political voice of the Bengali-speaking community and later in 1960s, demanded autonomy. A massive cyclone in 1970 caused huge devastation in the region where half a million people were killed, without any response from the government. There was anger amongst the people which was further intensified when Awami League won the Parliamentary elections and was hindered from taking office. Later on, a sustained military assault was conducted on East Pakistan and Mujibur Rehman declared the independence of Bangladesh on 26th March 1971. Songs: There are several musical traditions that exists in the country, which are mainly lyrics based with minimal combination of instruments. These are Gombhira, Bhawaiya, and Bhatiali with variations in regions. All the folk songs are characterized by modest musical structure and words. Performance of folk singers on the stage was the major entertainment aspect before the advent of the radio.

Nazrul Geeti or Nazrul Sangeet are popular songs written by national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, who was also an active revolutionary in the independence movement. Today, Bangladeshi rock and fusion songs are very popular amongst the youth. National Anthem is written by Rabindranath Tagore called Amar Shonar Bangla meaning My Golden Bengal. Celebration- The occasion is associated with parades, speeches by political leaders, concerts, fairs, ceremonies, activities in schools and colleges and other private events celebrating the traditions of the country. TV and radio are flooded with patriotic songs and special programs in the honor of the day. Normally, a 31-gun salute is held in the morning and the streets are adorned with national flags. Besides these, political parties mark the day in an apt manner by paying homage at Jatiyo Smriti Soudho, the national memorial situated in Dhaka. The country's highest state award, the Independence Awardis bestowed upon Bangladeshi citizens or organizations on the eve of the Independence Day by the government, for exemplary performance in various fields such as education, literature, journalism, public service, science/technology etc.

Customs- Bangladesh's long history reflects customs and traditions encompassing both old and new elements. The Literature of Bengal boasts of rich heritage where people like Rabindranath Tagore, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Kazi Nazrul Islam took it to the next level. The cuisine is closely related to North-East India . With emphasis on rice, Biryani is a favorite dish in Bangladesh while the sweetmeats like Roshogolla and Roshomalai are hot favorites not only in Bangladesh, but also in the Indian subcontinent. Saree is the most popular dress worn by women, while all the major Hindu and Muslims festivals are celebrated with fervor. Facts: The Government is a Unitary Parliamentary Republic and Jatiyo Sangshad forms the Legislature of the country. Bengali is the official language of the country but English is used frequently besides some other indigenous languages. Islam is the major religion of the country, as Muslims form about 90% of the population. The economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and the manufacturing of textiles. Bangladesh War of Independence . The history of Bangladesh Independence War.

-Sector Dissolvement International Involvement Bangladesh Forces received measured logistical assistance from Indira's government, albeit heavily politicised. Mujib was interned in Pakistan, while senior members of his party having no experience in any field of governance whatsoever with the exception of a few, easily heeded to the wishes of the Indian government of Indira Gandhi. Representatives of the Bangladesh government had issued directives in conducting the war in accordance to many of Indira's political wishes. This had complicated the war effort in a number of fronts. Many of the schemes backfired on the ground. Ultimately, On November 21 1971, by the time all Bangladesh Forces had severely under-cut the strength of the West Pakistani Forces, under a complicated politico-military scenario, a demand of the Government of India was conceded to by the Bangladesh Government-in-exile. The Bangladesh government in exile had handed over the entire command and control of the war effort to the Indian army, which kept a keen eye on the war's developments.

Once realising that Bangladesh Forces under General Osmani's command virtually brought the Pakistan forces to its knees in a guerilla struggle, on a terrain unknown and alien to West Pakistani troops, Indira's government in the first opening grasped the oppurtunity. Under the official guise of coalition forces, the Indian forces attacked several well formated attacks with all Bengali men in the front lines. Pakistan without choice reluctantly declared war on India 12 days later, perceived widely as a preemptive strike. The next day India landed a large number of troops into Bangladesh, sidelined Bangladesh Forces in the long planned and organised attack by Bangladesh Sector Forces of capturing Dhaka, and in a short span of over a week convinced Pakistan to peacefully surrender. Militarily Pakistan had nil options. The morally broken and militarily devastated by BD Forces, the Pakistani Army, on December 16 1971, without defiance in about week and a half, peacefully surrendered itself to the Indian army.

Victory was declared by the Indian authorities and all 45,000 Pakistani were taken as prisoners of war including combat material to India, with the Indian army taking control of the entire capital and all other major military and civilian installations inside independent Bangladesh remaining until mid-March 1972. The Bangladesh government in exile with its Commander in Chief General Osmani and the entire Bangladesh Forces was barred from attending the ceremony of surrender of the Pakistan Army on December 16. While the end of the war was an ever ending triumph, it was however a sordid one in the historical context. The Indian army remained on Bangladesh soil as an occupying force until March 17 1972, a further two and a half months after Mujib set up his government when Indira Gandhi made a ceremonial visit, a painful final withdrawal was initiated.

India's government of Indira Gandhi have gone unprecedented lengths in trying to internationalise Bangladesh's independence war as their struggle and gift to the people of Bangladesh, belittling years of remonstrance and difficult efforts undertaken by great Bengali leaders, like A.K Fazlul Haque, Suhrawardy, Moulana Bhasani and most significatly the fierce dissent and mass organisation and revolt of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. With the pure advantage of simplicity and all clarity the undeniable fact of India's behaviour and intentions are gradually exposing without even telling. Truth and Reconciliation Commission To this day governments of Pakistan and Bangladesh have not signed a single document officially ending the war and recognising each other. Four years later however an international occasion of Islamic unity did spur that particular recognition only in declaration. In all sense of history and to all Bangladeshis these facts will remain insulting and linger mistrust as it certainly added much to sour relations between Bangladesh and India to this day.

In the national interest of Bangladesh, its history and the future generations, Hamidullah Khan has reportedly requested Prime Minister Khaleda Zia during her 2001-2006 tenure for the urgent need of forming an independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission and tasking it with critically reviewing and revealing the results of events and activities including premature wrongdoings or misjudgements taken by members of the Bangladesh government-in-exile and inside Bangladesh since independence, and also by different political and armed factions during the war of independence in 1971, its immediate aftermath, and the ensuing years, in the hope of resolving conflict and serious misunderstandings left over from that past that has heavily contributed to the internal, political, social and media unrest that exists today. Bengalreianssacne.com Copy right What Happened on March 26th This Day in History 2nd What happened This day in History on March 26th 1979 U.S.A.

Camp David Peace Treaty Signed 26th March, 1979: Egypt's Anwar Sadat and Israel's Menachem Begin ended 30 years of bitter warfare by signing the first peace treaty between an Arab nation and the Jewish state . The peace treaty was the result of the Camp David Peace Accords, agreed in September 1978 when Israel agreed to withdraw troops from the Sinai Peninsula in return for Egypt's recognition of the state of Israel. Also agreed was some self determination for Palestinians . 1964 U.S.A. Funny Girl Musical 26th March, 1964 : The musical ''Funny Girl,'' starring Barbra Streisand and featuring Sydney Chaplin, Kay Medford, Danny Meehan, Jean Stapleton, and Lainie Kazan, opened at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway. In 1966 the production staring Barbra Streisand opened at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London's West End. 1953 U.S.A. Polio Vaccine 26th March, 1953: Dr. Jonas E.

Salk, announced a vaccine had been used safely and successfully used in preliminary trials on 90 children and adults as a polio vaccine, two years later the vaccine was released and given to every child in the United States. Poliomyelitis ( Polio ) was one of the most dreaded illnesses which killed or paralyzed thousands during the early 20th century and following World War II the number of cases of Polio increased significantly making the need for a cure or a vaccine to protect against the disease even more important. Much of the funding for Dr. Jonas E. Salk research came from March Of Dimes Foundation ( National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis ) which had been set up under the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938 to raise money for polio research and to care for those suffering from the disease. 1997 U.S.A. Heaven's Gate Cult Suicides 26th March, 1997: The bodies of 39 members of the Heaven's Gate cult were found dead in a California mansion all having committed suicide by ingesting a lethal mixture of phenobarbital and vodka.

The Heaven's Gate Cult led by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles and the leader Applewhite convinced his followers to commit suicide so that their souls could take a ride on a spaceship that they believed was hiding behind the Comet Hale-Bopp ( Haleys Comet ) . 1992 U.S.A. Mike Tyson Convicted of Rape 26th March, 1992: Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson is sentenced to six years in prison for raping Miss Black Rhode Island, Desiree Washington. He was released in March 1995 after serving three years. He did go back to fighting for the heavyweight championship after his release but in 1997 was again in trouble when he fought Evander Holyfield in Vegas and was disqualified for biting Holyfield on both ears. One bite was severe enough to remove a piece of Holyfield's right ear, which was found on the ring floor after the fight. 1925 U.S.A. Prohibition 26th March, 1925 : During the Prohibition Era, local and federal officers destroyed equipment used to make liquor. Alcohol that was created was dumped out as well, and participants in illegal booze operations were put in jail.

1933 Germany Herman Georing 26th March, 1933: Leader Herman Georing spoke his point of view regarding the mistreatment of Jews. He made a statement that the persecution of a person just because he (or she) is a Jew will not be tolerated. 1948 Israel Fighting 26th March, : According to an article printed in an international newspaper, fighting continued on the day before. Arabs attacked a Jewish convoy. As a result, 20 people were killed and 10 were wounded. There was no Good Friday break (although Good Friday was not a major Jewish Holiday, but Passover was). 1958 China Food Shortage 26th March, 1958 : A shortage of food was occurring at this time, and it was not getting any better. This lack of sufficient food supplies started to take place in Shantung, China and has spread as far as the Southern coast.

It is estimated 30 million died during the Great Chinese Famine officially referred to as the Three Years of Natural Disasters of 1958–61 in China, but now accepted by the Chinese Government as a combination of Natural Disasters and poor planning following the Great Leap Forward which moved many peasant farmers off the land into Iron and steel production, the famine was also caused by changes in farming practices and a series of droughts and floods including the great the Yellow River flood which is considered the 7th deadliest natural disaster in the 20th century . 1963 Korea Referendum 26th March, 1963 : Local protest was made in Korea against military rule of this country, and the Korean people were soon to be given a chance to decide whether or not this should continue. A referendum would soon be taken by the government of this country. Likewise, nations such as the U.S.A. moved to support anti-military Korean government rule. This action was highly welcomed. 1971 Bangladesh Independence 26th March, 1971: The country of Bangladesh had declared its independence. This decrement was made by Leader Sheikh. Bangladesh was formerly East Pakistan.

1981 England New British Party Social Democrats 26th March, 1981: A new political party ( Social Democrats ) has been formed in the UK from four breakaway Labour party defectors Roy Jenkins, David Owen, William Rodgers and Shirley Williams. The Social Democrats have launched their new political party pledging to "reconcile the nation" and "heal divisions between classes". They left the Labour party over the current leadership under Michael Foot moving further to the radical left, but did not feel they could support the conservative party under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who was dividing Britain into haves and have nots . They have described the new Social Democrat Party as left-of-centre party and believe strongly in Proportional representation "ONE MAN ONE VOTE" but without agreement by the other two parties it was unlikely to ever happen. The party formed an alliance over the next few years with the Liberal Party but after the 1987 general election which the conservatives won under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher.

The labour party chose a more moderate leader Neil Kinnock and supporters of the SDP went back to the labour party hoping that they could get a more moderate labour party back in power and the Social Democrat Party was folded in 1990 . 1981 Germany Fundraiser to Fight World Hunger 26th March, 1981: Information about a very unique fundraiser to help fight against hunger around the world was printed on this day. A group of high school students in Germany planned to fast from solid food for up to 30 hours. This effort was made in order to learn about the affects of hunger and how it would feel to go without food. It was also designed to help raise funds for World Vision International, one of the largest hunger-fighting organizations. People were to pledge a certain amount of money for every hour a student would go without food. 1982 U.S.A. Vietnam Veterans Memorial 26th March, 1982: Groundbreaking ceremonies took place in Washington, D.C., for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The Memorial came about from the work of the The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc.

(VVMF), established in 1979 to create a memorial to veterans of the Vietnam War, and in 1980 congress authorizes three acres near the Lincoln Memorial for the site. The main part of the memorial was completed in 1982 and receives around 3 million visitors each year. 1990 U.S.A. 26th March, 1990: An announcement of the 40th anniversary of the first German-American Boy Scout Troop was made on this day. This troop met for the first time on January 13th , 1949. 1999 England Miners Win Compensation 26th March, 1999: Ex-miners in England have won their case for compensation in a deal worth £2 billion for lung disease caused through working underground in the coal mining industry. Legal representation for the miners claimed it had been known for decades dust produced in the coal mining process could cause lung disease but not enough was done to protect them. Many of these miners were working underground in the 50's before health and safety laws ensured there were dust masks and showers at collieries. 1999 U.S.A. Dr.

Jack Kevorkian 26th March, 1999: Dr. Jack Kevorkian, was found guilty of second-degree murder for giving a lethal injection to a terminally ill man and airing it on the television program "60 Minutes." He allowed the airing of a videotape on "60 Minutes." that he had made which depicted the voluntary euthanasia of Thomas Youk, 52, an adult male with full decisional capacity who was in the final stages of ALS. He was sentenced to to serve a 10-25 year prison sentence by the judge, he was released on parole in 2007 on the condition that he cannot help anyone else die. He no longer assists in voluntary euthanasia but does campaign that the law is changed ( currently the only US State that allows legalized doctor-assisted suicide for terminally ill people is Oregon. ) 2000 Israel Pope John Paul II 26th March, 2000: Pope John Paul II who is currently on visiting Israel as part of his Millennium Pilgrimage, prayed for forgiveness of the sins of those involved in the Holocaust.

John Paul II has said visiting the area has fulfilled one of his dreams since he was elected Pontiff in 1978 . The trip is a milestone in relations between Catholicism and Judaism. 2000 Russia Vladimir Putin 26th March, 2000: Vladimir Putin was elected president of Russia for the first time he went on to be re-elected in 2004 and is the current President of the Russian Federation. 2002 Afghanistan Earthquake 26th March, 2002: A devastating earthquake shook up villages located in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Northern Afghanistan. It was estimated that 1,800 people had died and up to 10,000 people were homeless. 2007 Egypt Egyptian reforms 26th March, 2007: The referendum's controversial amendments to Egypt's constitution have been approved by 75.9% of voters. The Justice Ministry says that there was a 27% turnout for the vote, although some independent groups have put it at 5%.

The country's main opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood, who had boycotted the vote, were critical of the amendments being used as a means of creating a police state. A senior Muslim Brotherhood official has said that the result was forged. The constitutional amendments included a ban on the creation of political parties based on religion, and sweeping security powers. The government says the changes will deepen democracy, but opponents say that they make it will be easier to rig future elections. 2007 Northern Ireland An agreement on power-sharing in Northern Ireland 26th March, 2007: Devolved government will be returning to Northern Ireland from the historic meeting that took place between the leaders of the D.U.P. and Sinn Fein. At Stormont, Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams have confirmed that power-sharing will begin on May 8th. Mr. Paisley said the that the D.U.P. was committed to full participation in government, and Adams said it was the start of a new era. The British and Irish governments have been saying that they would close the Assembly if the executive did not agree on more power-sharing.

2008 Pakistan New Prime Minister 26th March, 2008 : Following the result of elections in Pakistan one month ago President Musharraf swears in newly chosen Prime Minister of Pakistan. 2008 India Robert Gates arrives in India 26th March, 2008 : The Defense Secretary, Robert Gates, has arrived in Delhi to promote military ties, and to promote U.S. arms manufacturers. The U.S. defense firms will be competing with their Russian and European rivals to sell fighter jets to India. Gates says he wants to enhance the U.S's already strong relationship India's military. India has usually relied on Russian arms imports in the past. 2008 United States Starbucks closes for 3 1/2 hrs 26th March, 2008 : Starbucks are shutting all of its branches for three-and-a-half hours of staff training on the evening of March 26th 2008. This has distrupted the daily routines of millions of Americans, who will have to move to rival coffee shops. Starbucks is reported as serving fifty million Americans a week.

All seven thousand branches will be closing at 17.30 local time to train the chain's 135,000 staff. 2008 United States A.I.G. executives convicted of fraud 26th March, 2008 : Five of American International Group's (A.I.G's) insurance executives have been convicted of fraud for their part in its accounting scandal. The former boss of reinsurance firm General Re was among those found guilty, and might be facing years in jail. All five have been convicted in the deals that A.I.G. made with General Re. 2008 United States Ford Sell Jaguar and Land Rover 26th March, 2008 : The Ford Motor Company is dealing with the failure of its Land Rover and Jaguar brands. After decades of losses at Jaguar and a history of reliability issues at Land Rover, Ford has announced that it will be selling them to India's Tata Motors Limited for $2.3 billion. The price of the combined units is less than what Ford paid for them. Ford acquired Jaguar in 1989 and Land Rover in 2000.

When finalized, Volvo will be the only remaining nameplate in the Premier Auto Group, and Ford has vowed to hold onto the brand and continue operating it. 2009 United States Tornadoes in Mississippi 26th March, 2009 : Weather conditions have caused Mississippi's Governor to declare a state of emergency in twelve counties in the southern parts of the state. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Operations Center has said that the storms, which have included two tornadoes, have damaged more than one hundred homes and injured twenty-four people. Simpson County, about forty miles southeast of Jackson, was the worst hit, and a tornado touched down in that county about 4 a.m. on the 26th. 2010 United States / Russia Obama and Medvedev have agreed to a nuclear arms reduction treaty 26th March, 2010 : Barack Obama and the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev have agreed a new nuclear arms reduction treaty. The treaty will limit both sides to 1,550 warheads, which is about 30% less than currently are allowed.

The deal will replace the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, and will be signed in Prague on April 8th. The agreement was made by telephone. “I’m pleased to announce that after a year of intense negotiations, the United States and Russia have agreed to the most comprehensive arms control agreement in nearly two decades,” Obama said after talking with Medvedev. 2010 United Kingdom Times and Sunday Times Will Only Be available Online Via Subscription 26th March, 2010 : The Times and Sunday Times newspapers announce plan to charge readers for their online news, becoming two of the largest Newspapers to adopt Web fees for news access Free access is now restricted to public libraries. The Times has been online since March 1999 with up to 3/4 million readers online each day. Following the announcement visitors to the web sites are now 10% of pre fees, This is a difficult time for traditional print media with increased use of the Internet to obtain the latest news and many Traditional News organizations are watching the Times experiment to gauge it's success or failure.

United States 2011 United States US Politician Ferraro Dies 26th March, 2011 : Geraldine Ferraro, a prominent US Democrat, died after battling cancer for several years. Ferraro was famously known as the first female vice-presidential candidate when she became Walter Mondale's running mate in the 1984 election against Ronald Reagan. Germany 2012 Germany BMW Recalls 1.3 Million Vehicles Worldwide 26th March, 2012 : German auto manufacturer BMW has recalled a total of 1.3 million vehicles from their 5 and 6 series models worldwide due to battery issues that could cause a fire. The defect involved an incorrectly mounted battery cable that had the potential to cause fires and that owners of the 5 and 6 series models manufactured between 2003 and 2010 should take their vehicles into dealers for checks and repairs. United States 2013 United States North Dakota Passes Strict Abortion Law 26th March, 2013 : The US state of North Dakota passed the strictest anti-abortion law yet in the United States.

The law banned abortion after a fetal heartbeat could be detected, which could be as early as six weeks. The law does not have any exceptions regarding rape, incest, or the health of the mother. North Korea 2014 North Korea Kim Jong-un Haircut for Students 26th March, 2014 : It was reported that male university students in North Korea would now be required to sport the same haircut as leader Kim Jong-un. It was announced several weeks before but was now beginning to be enforced across the country. North Korea already had pre-approved haircut styles for men and women in place. The People History Home Page The People History March Home Page Born This Day In History 26th March Celebrating Birthday's Today Diana Ross Born: Diane Ernestine Earle Ross, March 26th 1944, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Known For : Female American R & B, soul, disco and jazz singer who during the mid 1970s through to the mid- 1980's helped shape the Motown sound as lead singer of The Supremes who has sold more than 100 million records worldwide.

During her career she has had eighteen American number-one singles including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "Touch Me in the Morning", " Do You Know Where You're Going To ", "Upside Down", "Love Hangover" and "Endless Love" (with Lionel Richie). Twelve were as lead singer of The Supremes and six as a soloist. In addition to singing career she has won critical and popular acclaim as an actress and was nominated for an Oscar for her role as Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues.

Question: Bangladesh declared independence from which country on 26 March 1971?
Answer: Pakistan