Democracy must be strengthened and institutionalised: President

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has said democracy must be further strengthened and institutionalised to ensure that the true benefits of independence reach the people. He stressed the need to cultivate a culture of tolerance, mutual respect and unity in personal, social and state life.

In a message issued today marking Victory Day on December 16, the president said the day symbolises national pride and the ultimate success of independence. He extended greetings and warm congratulations to all Bangladeshis at home and abroad on the occasion.

The president said independence is the nation’s greatest achievement, attained through a long history of exploitation, deprivation and struggle. Through the nine-month Liberation War of 1971, the nation achieved its desired independence and sovereignty. He added that the war was not only for political freedom but also aimed at economic liberation and social justice.

However, he noted that full political and socio-economic emancipation of the people has yet to be achieved even after five decades. In this context, the 2024 mass uprising by students and citizens has reignited hope for building a discrimination-free, corruption-free and justice-based Bangladesh.

He concluded by saying that inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War, all must work together to build an exploitation-free, inclusive and prosperous Bangladesh, which should be the nation’s pledge on Victory Day.