When did Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declare Bangladesh’s independence?

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh on March 26, 1971.1

This declaration occurred shortly before his arrest by the Pakistani military, which had launched a major crackdown known as Operation Searchlight on March 25, 1971, to suppress protests following the nullification of the 1970 general election results. Following his arrest and transfer to West Pakistan, the Bangladesh Liberation War ensued, ultimately leading to the country's independence in December 1971.123