The chapter of a failed regime in Bangladesh’s history ended on 15 August 1975, when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman met a tragic and cruel fate following a period of authoritarianism and chaos in post-independence Bangladesh. A few months later, on 7 November of the same year, the nation witnessed what is described as a historic soldiers’ and people’s revolution — a day that has since been commemorated as National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
The day stands as a symbol of unity between patriotic soldiers and civilians. It marked the fall of Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf’s three-day military coup and led to the release of General Ziaur Rahman from captivity. It was a moment of renewed commitment to safeguard independence, sovereignty, and democracy — a legacy that continues to inspire the nation toward unity.
An analysis of the significance of this day reveals five key aspects that have made it a lasting source of national inspiration:
1. Symbol of united resistance
The events of 7 November 1975 proved that when the people and the army stand together, no conspiratorial or oppressive force can prevail against them.
2. Preservation of democracy and sovereignty
The day serves as a reminder of the unrelenting struggle required to protect the nation’s freedom and sovereignty. It inspires unity to establish multiparty democracy and uphold citizens’ fundamental rights.
3. Political stability
The revolution helped end the cycle of political unrest and power struggles, paving the way for constitutional governance and democratic practice in Bangladesh.
4. Call for unity
At its core, National Revolution and Solidarity Day embodies the spirit of united resistance against imperialism and anti-sovereignty forces. This ideal continues to inspire Bangladeshis to stand united against autocracy, fascism, and oppression.
5. Release of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman
The revolution led to the liberation of General Ziaur Rahman from captivity. His later leadership in rebuilding a war-torn country and introducing modern, forward-looking policies gave Bangladesh a global identity in a short span of time. Zia emerged as a visionary and prudent statesman in the eyes of the nation.
In 1971, when the Pakistani military launched its brutal campaign against unarmed Bengalis on 25 March, political leaders in the then East Pakistan went into hiding, leaving the people leaderless. In that crucial moment, Major Ziaur Rahman declared independence and the beginning of the Liberation War
from the Chattogram Radio Station on 26 March. His proclamation — “We revolt” — was the first formal military defiance that ignited the war of liberation.
After the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in August 1975, Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf staged a coup on 3 November and detained the then Army Chief General Ziaur Rahman. The country plunged into chaos once more, and fears of famine, corruption, and foreign dominance resurfaced among the people.
In the early hours of 7 November, revolutionary soldiers launched a counteraction that ended the conspiracies. As dawn broke, Dhaka’s streets filled with jubilant soldiers firing into the air to announce their victory, and civilians joined them in celebration. People adorned tanks with garlands, marking the unbreakable bond between the army and the masses.
That day, Zia addressed the nation over the radio, saying, “This is Zia speaking.” His voice reassured a nation in uncertainty, and the people rejoiced with newfound hope. The day proved that as long as the unity between the army and the people remained intact, no hegemonic force could undermine Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.
Today, the same spirit is called upon as certain quarters, both domestic and international, attempt to tarnish Bangladesh’s image and push it toward instability. Their tactics include trying to sow discord between the people and the armed forces — a ploy that the conscious citizens of Bangladesh will never allow to succeed.
The spirit of 7 November remains a sharp weapon against all conspiracies targeting the nation’s independence and integrity.
The unity between students, civilians, and patriotic soldiers witnessed again on 5 August 2024 during a 36-day people’s movement for justice reflects the continuation of that same spirit of 1975. The friendly interaction between soldiers and citizens, tanks adorned with flowers, and the sight of people and soldiers singing victory songs together recalled the legacy of the 7 November revolution — a symbol of harmony between the army and the people.
It was through that very unity that General Ziaur Rahman was freed to serve the country — a moment that changed the course of Bangladesh’s history, setting the nation on a path toward progress and a stronger national identity.
As we commemorate National Revolution and Solidarity Day, let this be our pledge — to walk the path shown by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, guided by his ideals and patriotism, toward a Bangladesh of unity, freedom, and prosperity.
The writer is the Mass Education Secretary of BNP
