The 16th December is our Victory Day. It is the memorable day in the history of Bangladesh. On this day, we achieved victory from Pakistan. After the nine months of long struggle, the Pakistani armies were bound to leave our dear motherland on this day. This day has great importance because of many reasons. Now, Bangladesh is considered as an independent country in the world. Our nation is considered as a heroic nation.
Actually this day is a day of great achievement for us. Every year, this day is observed with great solemnity and solidarity. The whole country wears a festive look. Our national flag is hoisted on the top of each institution, shop and shopping mall. Meetings, seminars and discussions are held in various places. People go to the national memorial to show respect to the martyrs. On this day, we take oath against any kind of injustice, tyranny and falsehood.
However, it is a day of joy, hope and inspiration. This day will remain ever fresh and ever green in the heart of each and every Bangalee.
Many countries have rid themselves of colonial rule without bloodshed. But our independence cost us a sea of blood. That is why every year when we commemorate our independence and victory, we recall the countless martyrs and the sacrifices made during the liberation war.
Responding to the clarion call of the greatest Bangalee of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Bangalee nation earned the ultimate victory on this day in 1971 after 23 years of intense political struggle and a nine-month blood-spattered war against the Pakistani occupation forces.
I extend my sincere greetings to the countrymen on the occasion of the 47th Victory Day. On this glorious day, I pay my deep homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. I recall with gratitude the four national leaders, and three million martyrs, who sacrificed their lives and two hundred thousand women, who lost their honour for the cause of our independence.
The Bangalee nation got prepared for independence waging the Language Movement of 1952, the Education Movement of 1962, the six-point Demand of 1966 and 11-point Movement and the Mass Upsurge of 1969 under the undaunted leadership of the Father of the Nation.
Awami League earned an overwhelming majority in the general elections of 1970 through which Bangalee nation's aspiration for independence got legal basis. Bangabandhu had realised that the oppression, persecution and deprivation meted out to the Bangalee nation would not end without achieving the independence.
Ultimately, on the historic 7 March 1971, Bangabandhu in front of a million of people at the then Race Course Maidan declared, "This time the struggle is for our freedom, this time the struggle is for the independence.
Virtually, from that day, the final chapter began for achieving an independent Bangladesh, and the countrywide non-cooperation movement had started at the directives of Bangabandhu as part of the final preparations for the Liberation War.
On the fateful night of 25 March 1971, the Pakistani occupation forces launched a brutal onslaught and committed genocide on the innocent and unarmed Bangalees. The Father of the Nation declared independence of Bangladesh in the early hours of 26 March of 1971 and the formal War of Independence started.
On 10 April, the proclamation of independence was announced by the elected people's representatives and the first Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh was formed with Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the President, Syed Nazrul Islam as Vice-President and Tajuddin Ahmed as Prime Minister. This government was sworn-in on 17 April 1971 at historic Mujibnagar in Meherpur and led the war of independence.
The heroic freedom fighters with the help of the allied forces earned the victory on 16 December 1971 by defeating Pakistani occupation forces. The heroism and patriotism of Bangalee nation created a new history in the world.
As Bangabandhu had engaged himself in the struggle to build a ''Golden Bengal'' reconstructing the war-ravaged country, the anti-liberation forces in collusion with the war criminals assassinated Bangabandhu along with his family members.
Through the heinous killings of 15 August 1975, the assassins made an abortive attempt to ruin the heritage, culture and progress of Bangalee nation and they initiated the politics of killings, coup and conspiracy and obstructed the process to try the killers of Bangabandhu through promulgating Indemnity Ordinance.
They ruined the democracy by declaring Martial Law and formed an illegal government. They defaced the Constitution and gagged the press freedom.
We need to take a solemn vow to build a 'Golden Bengal' free from hunger, poverty and injustice, keeping the current development spree going.
A strong commitment is needed to make Bangladesh a prosperous future-oriented one.
Democracy was established after a long struggle and sacrifices in 1996. Bangladesh has set up an example in the world in socio-economic development of its people.
According to sources, in recent years, Bangladesh’s economy has made us proud with growth estimated at over 7%. Today, the country’s economy stands at about $180bn, and according to the World Bank, that will rise to $322bn by 2021. The garment exports are likely to hit $27bn this year, 10% more than 2015.
Though a lot of development took place, more needs to be done. We want a poverty and exploitation-free country where everyone will live with equal rights and dignity, fulfilling the dream of Golden Bengal. The goals for which our freedom fighters shed their blood would be achieved if we can turn Bangladesh as a strong, developed and rights-based country.
We all should come forward and uphold the development and democratic process, being imbued with the spirit of the Liberation War. Let us engage ourselves in the services for the country and its people. Let this be our pledge on the Victory Day of 2017.
The writer is senior joint general secretary of Birshrestho Muktijoddha Projonmo Sangrami Oikya Parishad, Central Committee