Indians wanted to hear Bangla speech from Bangabandhu

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Tanjimul Nayan
Published : 04:00, Jan 13, 2019 | Updated : 04:00, Jan 13, 2019

On 10 Jan, 1972, 25 days after Bangladesh gained independence; Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman came back to the country and before coming back, gave a short speech at the Delhi airport.On 10 Jan, 1972, 25 days after Bangladesh gained independence; Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman came back to the country and before coming back, gave a short speech at the Delhi airport.
During the speech, Bangabandhu began in English but the Indian people present wanted to hear the speech in Bangla with the same request made by Indian premier, Indira Gandhi.
After being released from prison in Pakistan, Bangabandhu went straight to London and from there came to Delhi on 10 January afternoon where Indira Gandhi welcomed him.
In the Hindi speech, preserved in an archive, Indira Gandhi addressed Bangabandhu and said, “His soul could not be imprisoned and inspired by him, people of Bangladesh liberated the country.”
She further added, “During this war, we decided to do three things, support the Mukti bahini, stand by the people of Bangladesh and secure release of Sheikh Mujib.”
“We have kept our promise.”
When Bangabandhu started in English there was a united cry from the people for the address to be made in Bangla and with India Gandhi’s request, he began: Bhai or bonera, to which the crowd exploded in euphoria.
He expressed gratitude to Indira Gandhi for remaining beside Bengalis and said, “The people of Bangladesh will never forget the support given by the India army and the people.”

Bangabandhu went on to say, “I am personally grateful to Indira Gandhi for trying to secure my freedom; also, the people of Bangladesh are grateful to India for giving refuge to so many Bangladeshis. There are many Indians who are facing hardship, yet they gave us all out support.”
I believe in secularism, democracy and socialism, stated Bangabandhu.
The two speeches by Indira Gandhi and Bangabandhu have been uploaded to the Facebook page of Rezwan Eureka. With his permission, the links are given for our readers:

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