Dhaka: Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan today emphasized that independence is the nation’s greatest achievement in a thousand years, highlighting that the spirit of the Liberation War is integral to Bangladesh’s identity. “Our greatest achievement in thousand years is our independence. Bangladesh’s independence came only once in history-it neither came before nor will come again. Our identity is rooted in the Liberation War and in ‘1971,” he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister was speaking at the “Bir Muktijoddha Reception 2026,” organized by Dhaka South City Corporation to commemorate the Great Independence Day and National Day at Nagar Bhaban in the capital. He underscored that while the fall of autocracy through the 1990 mass uprising and the end of fascism through the 2024 student-people uprising are significant political milestones, they should not be equated with the achievement of independence.
Minister Khan announced his ministry’s intent to compile accurate lists of genuine martyrs, freedom fighters, and anti-liberation elements. He stressed that providing allowances, housing, and healthcare for freedom fighters remains a priority.
The event was attended by around 1,500 freedom fighters from Dhaka city and was chaired by DSCC Administrator and Bir Muktijoddha Md Abdus Salam. The proceedings commenced with the national flag hoisting and the national anthem, followed by a one-minute silence in honor of the martyrs. A documentary on the Liberation War was also shown.
Crests, floral tributes, and ceremonial scarves were presented to the freedom fighters. Several speakers, including Captain Nurul Huda of Sector 9, Naeem Jahangir, Sadeq Ahmed Khan, Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat, and Lt Col (retd) Zainal Abedin, among others, shared their experiences from the 1971 war.
Md Abdus Salam, speaking at the event, emphasized the importance of honoring freedom fighters for the country’s progress. He urged the authorities to ensure free healthcare, housing, and better transport facilities for them.