UNESCO recognises Bangabandhu’s 7th March speech

The historic 7th March speech of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been included in the Memory of the World International Register, a list of world’s important documentary heritage maintained by UNESCO.

The Director General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, announced the decision on 30 October, at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, says a press release sent by ministry of foreign affairs.

The Memory of the World International Register is a list of documents having global significance. The objective of creating the International Register is to ensure preservation of, and access to, documentary heritage in various parts of the world.

A document to be included in the Memory of the World International Registrar has to satisfy UNESCO that the document bears immense significance and forms part of documentary heritage of the world at large.

"The world will now get to know more about our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and our glorious Liberation War", said Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali.

The 7th March speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman provided inspiration to the Bengali people in their quest for freedom and emancipation. The speech also energised the entire nation and prepared the people for the forthcoming Liberation struggle.

It also served as the ultimate source of inspiration for the countless freedom fighters who joined the Mukti Bahini. Bangabandhu’s speech is played throughout the country during the various national occasions and continues to reverberate in hearts and minds of the Bengali people. This speech continues to enthrall our people and will continue to inspire succeeding generations.

The International Advisory Committee (IAC) is responsible for recommending whether or not a document qualifies for inclusion on the Memory of the World International Register.

The International Advisory Committee during its meeting from 24 to 27 October 2017 recommended the 7th March speech for inscription on the Memory of the World International Register.

The Memory of the World Register now includes a total of 427 documents and collection from all continents.