Let ’71 stand above everything else for us: Mahfuz Anam

March 7, 1971. Fifty-five years ago, on this day, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered his historic speech at the Race Course Ground in Ramna. In his captivating oration, Mujib had pronounced: “This time, the struggle is for emancipation. This time, the struggle is for independence.” The leader’s thundering baritone electrified the crowd and emboldened millions across the country. It had given the nation the resolve to defy.

Among those present at that momentous gathering was Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, who had also been involved with volunteers organising the rally. In this episode of The Third View, he reflects on that historic speech.

Drawing from his own experience, Mahfuz Anam recollects how Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s words on that day instilled courage and determination among the people, strengthening their resolve in the struggle ahead.