Today marks 7 March, a date of profound historical significance for Bangladesh. On this day in 1971, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman addressed a massive gathering at Dhaka’s Racecourse Ground, now known as Shahbagh’s Suhrawardy Udyan, delivering an 18-minute speech that would become immortalised in the nation’s struggle for independence. This speech, widely regarded as one of the most powerful political declarations of the 20th century, laid the groundwork for the liberation movement that followed.
During his address, Bangabandhu famously declared, “You will not be able to hold us back any longer.” He concluded with an emphatic call to action:
“This time the struggle is for our emancipation; this time the struggle is for our freedom.”
The global significance of this historic oration has been formally recognised. In 2017, UNESCO inscribed the speech on the Memory of the World Register, underscoring its enduring importance as a document of international historical value and as a symbol of human aspiration for liberty.
On 7 March 2026, the Bangladesh Awami Volunteer League launched a special campaign to commemorate the speech. The initiative involved the placement of commemorative posters across key locations in Dhaka, including the Secretariat, National Press Club, Shahbagh, Hatirpool, Banglamotor, Kolabagan, Shukrabad, and Dhanmondi 32. These posters prominently highlighted Bangabandhu’s historic words and their enduring relevance.
In addition, the volunteer league broadcast portions of the original 7 March speech on several pedestrian overpasses throughout the city, ensuring that the spirit of the oration reached the public directly. Notable locations included:
- Sheorapara Manipur School pedestrian overpass
- Paribag pedestrian overpass
- West entrance of Dhanmondi 32
Key Facts About the 7 March Speech
| Subject | Details |
| Speaker | Sheikh Mujibur Rahman |
| Date | 7 March 1971 |
| Location | Racecourse Ground, Dhaka (present-day Suhrawardy Udyan) |
| Duration | 18 minutes |
| Key Message | “This time the struggle is for our emancipation; this time the struggle is for our freedom.” |
| Recognition | Inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, 2017 |
| 2026 Commemoration | Poster campaigns and speech broadcasts at pedestrian overpasses in Dhaka |
The 7 March speech continues to inspire generations of Bangladeshis, serving as an enduring source of courage, pride, and national identity. Beyond its historical significance, it remains a symbol of the unyielding spirit of freedom and the collective will of a people striving for independence. The volunteer league’s initiatives ensure that this legacy continues to resonate with new generations, keeping the flame of Bangladeshi sovereignty alive.
Today, more than five decades later, Bangabandhu’s words still ignite the hearts of those committed to liberty, standing as a timeless beacon of hope, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of freedom.