Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Selima Rahman has said that after the Mass Uprising of 2024, this year’s Victory Day has opened the door to new hopes for the nation. “This year’s Victory Day has opened up a door to new aspirations for the nation,” she told BSS in an interview on the eve of the Victory Day.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh achieved independence through the Liberation War of 1971 and a long struggle, but true independence has not yet been achieved, Selima Rahman stated. The senior BNP leader expressed concerns that democracy has not been established in the country, nor have a discrimination-free society and the fundamental rights of the people been ensured.
“The date of the national election has been fixed. As a result, we hope that by establishing democracy in the country in the future, we will be able to fulfill the aspirations of the common people,” she said. Selima Rahman emphasized that irrespective of party affiliation, students, workers, common people, and all anti-fascist political parties are collaborating to ensure a smooth democratic transition.
“The goal is to establish good governance and ensure the fundamental rights of the people by forming an accountable government,” she said. Rahman also addressed remarks from the younger generation, noting that the Mass Uprising of 2024 has been described as surpassing the Liberation War of 1971, highlighting that every generation has its own perspective.
She recalled that during the Liberation War, the young society of that time, along with workers and people from all walks of life, united to free themselves from Pakistani exploitation. In the Mass Uprising of 2024, students rose against tyranny to eliminate inequality, resulting in the expulsion of tyranny from the country.
Rahman stated that every mass uprising holds its unique significance and should not be compared with another. “The Mass Uprising of 2024 is a recognition of the true spirit of the Liberation War,” she said, adding that without the independence achieved in 1971, the Mass Uprising of 2024 would not have been possible.
She concluded by saying that this year’s Victory Day will be celebrated with joy and enthusiasm by people of all ages, including the elderly and the youth, workers, students, and the common people.