Dec 16 is an epic day of pride, joy and sorrow for nation: Tarique Rahman

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has paid deep tribute to all freedom fighters and martyrs who were killed during Bangladesh’s War of Independence, marking Victory Day. In a message sent to the media on Monday, December 15, on the occasion of Victory Day, he expressed his respect for the martyrs.

Tarique Rahman said that after nine months of the Liberation War, the nation achieved victory on December 16, 1971. He extended greetings to people at home and expatriate Bangladeshis, wishing them happiness, peace, prosperity and well-being. He said the nine-month war ended on this day, leading to the emergence of an independent state called Bangladesh, and paid homage to the heroic freedom fighters and martyrs, praying for the salvation of their souls. He also saluted the mothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifices to free the country from foreign domination.

He said the Liberation War, initiated in response to the declaration of independence on March 26, 1971, culminated in victory on December 16 through the defeat of the Pakistani occupying forces. He said indomitable freedom fighters risked their lives to secure this victory, making December 16 an epic day of national pride, joy and sorrow.

Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh was founded on the promise of democracy based on social justice and freedom from exploitation, but that promise was repeatedly buried by inhuman fascist forces who imposed destructive authoritarian rule and halted the progress of multi-party democracy.

He said that although the country was liberated from enemy forces in 1971, conspiracies against independence and sovereignty continue. He alleged that aggressive forces and their local agents have undermined democratic rights through repeated one-sided elections over the past 16 years, suppressing civil liberties, freedom of speech and the press, and creating an environment of fear, repression and chaos. He also referred to enforced disappearances, killings, mass arrests, and the imprisonment of a long-time pro-democracy leader.

He said that inspired by the spirit of Victory Day, national unity was forged to protect independence and democracy, leading to the July–August mass uprising of students and citizens in 2024, which resulted in the fall of one of the most brutal dictators in history. He stressed the need to ensure a free, fair and credible election to form a welfare-oriented and accountable government, calling on citizens to reject division and violence and stand by one another. He wished success to all Victory Day programmes.