Country should go ahead with the spirit of liberation war

Today is the Victory Day. The nation achieved final victory following the Pakistan occupation army's unconditional surrender at the then Race Course Maidan (now Suhrawardy Udyan) in Dhaka on December 16, 2971. Bangladesh emerged as an independent country in the world map.

We achieved the independence through the supreme sacrifice of innumerable freedom loving people. The day is also a day of mourn especially for them who lost their closed ones. We remember all the martyrs of the liberation war with profound respect today. We also show respect to the great women in the land who were tortured during the war. Side by side, we also remember the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and others leaders who guided the nation during liberation war.

Bangabandhu successfully led the nation to establish an independent country. The dream of Bangabandhu was to bring smile to the faces of common people through establishing a poverty and hunger-free Sonar Bangla. He inspired the nation with the spirit of independence.

Bangladesh achieved her independence through sacrifice and blood-shed. So, the victory is more meaningful to us. The Independent Bangladesh started her journey with lots of dream. But, the nation had to face many ups and downs in last 46 years. The politics went to rough path. The main theme of liberation war was-people from all walks of life will enjoy equal right. But, we are diverted far away from the theme. The democratic system repeatedly damaged following some unexpected incidences.

There were so my commitments to lead the newly independent country. But, unfortunately there were some serious lapses in these regard and the nation had to pay for that. Although, the economic growth has increased but poverty level is still high. Democracy, freedom of expression and voting rights established in the country but the democratic institutions are still weak. There are some barriers on the context of our national issues. Besides, anti-liberation forces are still active in the country. However, the positive thing is -the trial of war criminals is underway in the country. Some of the verdicts have been implemented already.

It is true that Bangladesh has gained a great success in economic and social fields in last 46 years. The country stepped forward in education, health, industries, communication, information technology and other sectors. We also moved forward in Human Resources Development Index. And it is also true that the demand of food, clothes and accommodation facilities of every citizens of the country is not fulfilled yet. A mentionable number of people are still deprived of the light of education. So, we have to go forward in these issues. We have to take care of the values which was achieved through liberation war. And only then the victory day will be meaningful.

Our next generations have to learn the history of independence. The victory was not given, we had to achieve it. The nation paid a lot for this victory.

Starting from the language movement in 1952, mass upsurge in 1969 and finally the liberation war in 1971 brought us here. People from all walks of life leaving difference of religion, caste joined the war to achieve victory. That’s why well armed Pakistani forces lost the battle facing only nine months long war. Unity is main power if any nation. Unity is must in almost every aspects of life. However, it's matter of sorrow that we could not maintain the unity after achieving freedom.

Of course, there will be difference during expressing opinion but, we have to be alert about the clash centering dissimilar opinions. Our leaders should keep it mind. Indifferent policy for the sake of national interest is essential now. So many potentials are waiting for us. Learning from the great war of 1971, if we try to solve all problems then the process of development will be faster. We have to take the country ahead with the spirit of independence. On the occasion of Victory Day, we expect that everyone will work from their own position for the country. 



risingbd/Dhaka/Dec 16, 2017/Ali Nowsher/Nasim