Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a Bangladeshi politician and statesman. He is often called the father of Bengali nation. He is popularly dubbed with the title of "Bangabandhu". He served as the first President of Bangladesh. He was an advocate of democracy and socialism. Mujib rose to the ranks of the Awami League and East Pakistani politics. He was a charismatic and forceful orator. Mujib announced independence of Bangladesh on 26 March 1971. After Bangladesh's independence. Mujib was released from Pakistani custody due to international pressure. He returned to Dhaka on 10 January 1972 after a short visit to Britain and India.