Staff Correspondent

March 2 should be observed by the state as “National Flag Day”, as students hoisted the Bangladesh flag at Dhaka University (DU) on the day in 1971, speakers said while observing the 50th anniversary of the event yesterday.

On March 2, 1971, Bangladesh announced its imminent arrival to the world by waving its flag for the very first time.

Many organisations and institutions, including DU authority, Jatiya Somajtantrik Dal (JSD), Jatiya Somajtantrik Dal (Jasod), Jasod Chhatra League, Bangladesh Sadharon Chatra Odhikar Parishad, held meetings and rallies in the capital yesterday.

DU authority holds a programme on this occasion at “Bot Tola” in front of the arts faculty -- the historical place where the first flag was raised.

The historic event signalled a sovereign and independent nation for the first time, said DU VC Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman, speaking as chief guest.

Teachers and students of DU’s music department performed the national anthem. Teachers and officials were present at the event.

Then vice president of Dhaka University Students’ Union, ASM Abdur Rob, who led the historic event, is now president of JSD, which organised a meeting yesterday at Supreme Court Bar Association Auditorium.

Qader Siddiqi, president of Bangladesh Krishok Sromik Jonota League, spoke for observing this special day all across the country.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, convener of Nagorik Oikya, Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, trustee of Gonoshasthaya Kendra and former Ducsu Vice President Nurul Haq also spoke at the programme among others.