Bangladesh is set to commemorate the Homecoming Day of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 10 January, marking his triumphant return to an independent Bangladesh in 1972. This year, the occasion carries even greater significance as it coincides with the extensive preparations to celebrate Bangabandhu’s birth centenary, which commences on 17 March 2020 and continues until 17 March 2021 as part of Mujib Year.
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Nation Prepares to Honour Bangabandhu’s Legacy Amid Centenary Celebrations
Bangladesh is set to commemorate the Homecoming Day of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 10 January, marking his triumphant return to an independent Bangladesh in 1972. This year, the occasion carries even greater significance as it coincides with the extensive preparations to celebrate Bangabandhu’s birth centenary, which commences on 17 March 2020 and continues until 17 March 2021 as part of Mujib Year.
To initiate the year-long celebrations, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the official countdown at the National Parade Ground in Tejgaon, Dhaka, tomorrow.
Awami League’s Commemorative Programmes
The Awami League has organised a series of events to mark this historic day:
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | Hoisting of National and Party Flags | Central Office, Bangabandhu Bhavan, and all Awami League offices nationwide |
| 7:00 AM | Tribute to Bangabandhu’s Portrait | Bangabandhu Bhavan |
| 3:00 PM | Official Countdown Inauguration | National Parade Ground |
Bangabandhu’s Journey from Captivity to Freedom
The journey to independence was not without sacrifice. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence on 26 March 1971, urging the nation to rise against oppression. Following this declaration, he was arrested by Pakistan’s military ruler General Yahya Khan and imprisoned in West Pakistan.
Even though Bangladesh achieved victory on 16 December 1971, the final moment of national fulfilment arrived when Bangabandhu returned home on 10 January 1972.
Bangabandhu’s Journey Home
| Date | Event | Location |
| 7 January 1972 | Released from Pakistani prison | Pakistan |
| 8 January 1972 | Departed for London with Dr. Kamal Hossain | Pakistan |
| 8 January 1972, 6:30 AM | Arrived at Heathrow Airport | London, UK |
| 9 January 1972, Night | Met British PM Edward Heath, Tajuddin Ahmed, and Indira Gandhi | London |
| 9 January 1972 | Departed for Bangladesh on British Air Force plane | London |
| 10 January 1972, Morning | Arrived in Delhi; warmly welcomed by Indian leaders | India |
| 10 January 1972, Afternoon | Reached Dhaka to a jubilant reception | Bangladesh |
A Hero’s Welcome in Dhaka
The return of Bangabandhu was a moment of profound emotion for the Bengali people. From Dhaka Airport to the Racecourse Maidan (now Suhrawardy Udyan), millions gathered to welcome their beloved leader with uncontainable joy and tears of relief. At 5 PM, he addressed a massive crowd of over one million people at Racecourse Maidan, proclaiming:
“The land I love, the people I cherish—I did not know if I would ever see them again. Today, I have returned to my Bengal, to my brothers, mothers, and sisters. Bangladesh is independent today.”
His speech, delivered with a heart full of gratitude and reverence, paid homage to the sacrifices of the people, urging the nation to embark on the path of rebuilding.
Press Coverage of the Time
The following day, major newspapers such as The Daily Ittefaq and The Sangbad reported:
“The creator of Bangladesh’s history touched the soil of his homeland and wept like a child. Tears of both joy and sorrow streamed down his face. The entire nation, reunited with its leader, was engulfed in emotion, chanting ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu!’ in unison, filling the skies with their triumphant cries.”
A Journey from Darkness to Light
Bangabandhu himself described his homecoming as a “journey from darkness to light,” reflecting on the struggles endured during his captivity and the overwhelming emotion of returning to a free Bangladesh. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian government and people for their unwavering support during the Liberation War.
The Legacy Lives On
As Bangladesh steps into Mujib Year, the Homecoming Day serves as a poignant reminder of the nation’s struggle for independence and the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. His return to Dhaka cemented the nation’s victory, and his vision continues to guide Bangladesh towards prosperity.
Tomorrow’s celebrations will not only honour his memory but also inspire generations to uphold his ideals and work towards a stronger, self-reliant Bangladesh.
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