Dhaka: 'Purbo Digonte Surjo Uthese, Rakta Lal Rakta Lal Rakta Lal.' On a mist-shrouded December morning, the radiant sun of independence rose over the horizon of Bangladesh, as the red-green flag soared proudly in the sky. The air resonated with the chorus of countless voices singing 'Amar Sonar Bangla, Ami Tomay Bhalobashi.'. Thus, the day remains etched as one of eternal pride and jubilation for the nation, while at the same time carrying the heart-rending cries and grief of those who lost their dearest ones.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16, will mark the 54th anniversary of the nation's triumph, the Great Victory Day. It is a day the people of Bangladesh will forever cherish with pride. On this day in 1971, through a valiant struggle, the Bengali nation secured victory and imprinted the name of Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign state on the world map. In doing so, the true spirit of the War of Liberation found its rightful recognition.
Each year, the people of the country celebrate the day with joy, fervor, and enthusiasm, honoring the sacrifices that brought freedom. When the Pakistani occupation forces unleashed a brutal genocide on the sleeping, unarmed civilians of this country in the night of March 25, 1971, using lethal weapons such as tanks and cannons, the resistance movement began, and the war for liberation was set in motion.
The brave sons of the nation rushed to the battlefield to confront the enemy. The lure of life meant little to them. They had no formal military training, nor did they possess sophisticated weapons. Literally armed with whatever they had, the valiant sons of the soil stood face to face with the enemy and fought to the death in the struggle for freedom. For nine long months, brave sons of the country, irrespective of religion, caste, or language, fought an unequal war against the Pakistani army.
Ultimately, through the sacrifice of three million lives and the cost of the honor of 200,000 mothers and sisters, and immense material losses, the freedom was achieved and freedom fighters snatched the final victory and freed the nation from the shackles of subjugation. By creating allies and opponents' fraction and following a colonial 'divide and rule' policy, the genocidal Awami League plundered Bangladesh for more than a decade and a half. The people of the country could not tolerate this division. As a result, resistance and struggle against fascism began once again. Eventually, in continuity with the blood-soaked struggle of 1971, a new Bangladesh began its journey through the mass uprising of 2024.
Leaders of various political parties have spoken about this newly begun journey. They said that after the mass uprising of '24, this year's Victory Day has appeared before the nation with a new sense of hope. In exclusive conversations with BSS, they said that in the transformed new Bangladesh, alongside the joy of Victory Day's historic moment, there also exists deep uncertainty. Fascist forces are once again attempting to raise their heads.
However, they believe that if strong unity can be forged at this crucial juncture of democratic transition, the joy of victory will become everlasting. BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed today said the nation celebrated its first Victory Day after last year's July 24 mass uprising in a uniquely joyous atmosphere, as people experienced victory 'with full hearts in a free and independent environment'.
He said that although a year has passed since the uprising, political debates surrounding the upcoming elections have led to visible divisions in society. Taking advantage of these divisions, he warned, undemocratic and fascist forces are attempting to re-emerge. Following the announcement of the national election schedule, Salahuddin Ahmed said a recent incident involving an attack on Hadi has created a painful and tense atmosphere across the country.
Expressing concern, he said the fallen fascist forces and their allies are continuing efforts to obstruct the country's democratic transition. Salahuddin Ahmed stressed that unity among Bangladesh's pro-democratic forces and all anti-fascist political parties is now crucial to firmly establish national sovereignty and democracy. He said only through such unity would be possible to prevent renewed attempts by terrorist, anti-democratic and fascist forces to regain influence.
He said the blood of the martyrs of the 2024 mass uprising now represents the people's aspiration for liberation. According to Salahuddin Ahmed, the people of Bangladesh seek to establish democracy, end discriminatory social systems, secure democratic and constitutional rights, and regain lost human rights. He added that the mass uprising stands as the ultimate expression of the collective will of the nation.
The BNP leader said the immediate priority is to transform anti-fascist national unity into a strong national force while advancing preparations for the days ahead. He said that through this process, a strong democratic state can be built through the upcoming national parliamentary elections. Salahuddin Ahmed added that this objective reflects the true spirit of victory, the nation's expectations, and the aspirations embodied in the blood of the martyrs.