A colourless Victory Day in Bogura, memories of celebration being faded

For many residents of Bogura, this year’s Victory Day felt unusually muted. Abdus Salam, a local businessman, recalled the festive atmosphere of past celebrations while listening to patriotic songs on his phone. “Victory Day is no longer what it used to be,” he said. “The few arrangements we see today feel purely formal. Earlier, streets were filled with music and decorations, and the city was alive with celebration. Now everything seems dull.”

On the night of December 15 and the morning of December 16, the streets of Bogura showed little sign of the usual festivities. Government offices had minimal decorations, and large public events like the national parade were absent. In previous years, children dressed in patriotic attire paraded with flags, while neighbourhoods buzzed with plays, cultural programmes, and music honouring the Liberation War.

Some residents blame the current political climate for the subdued atmosphere. Veteran freedom fighters say fear and insecurity have grown, discouraging open discussion of the 1971 Liberation War. “Earlier, Victory Day was celebrated with joy nationwide,” said veteran Hossain Ali. “Now, the defeated forces of 1971 seem to dominate through fear and intimidation.”

Attempts to reach other freedom fighters for comment met with caution or refusal. Gaur Gopal Goswami, another veteran, said he was unwell and declined to speak on the situation, promising to discuss it at a later time.

For Bogura, this year’s Victory Day serves as a reminder of how deeply political pressures can affect national celebrations, turning a day of pride into a quiet, colourless observance.