Ensuring the legacy of Victory Day endures

Today is the great Victory Day. On this occasion, the Views Bangladesh family pays deep respects to all the martyrs. We will never forget those who, in the bloody war of 1971, brought home the flag of victory and gifted us a new country.

However, it is deeply unfortunate, yet true, that the Bangladesh Liberation War, our war of independence, is increasingly being questioned in various ways. As poet Rudra Muhammad Shahidullah aptly put it, "The nation's flag is now grasped by the old vultures (Jatir Pataka Aj Khamche Dhorecchhe Sei Purono Shakun."

In an attempt to discard one specific political party, another is trying to erase the glorious history of the nation. Since the popular uprising, certain individuals and groups have sparked political activity and rhetoric that have led to widespread criticism. Conscious citizens of the country have strongly protested against this. This year, the observance of 14th December as Shaheed Buddhijibi Dibosh (Martyred Intellectuals Day) was not done with the usual respect. At several political and cultural events in Dhaka, there was a noticeable absence of any mention of or tribute to the martyrs. Similarly, for 16th December, there have been no major cultural events, only routine state functions. The people of the country feel that there is a lack of energy and enthusiasm.

The most significant controversy has arisen from the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy's schedule for its month-long cultural event. The poster reads "December Festival" instead of "Victory Festival." This has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many questioning why it is a December Festival and not a Victory Festival.

Our independence and liberation war were not given to us out of anyone's grace. The path to independence was marked by years of sacrifice and struggle. It was achieved through countless sacrifices. No political party's propaganda can undermine this truth. Bangladesh's Liberation War belongs to all people, not to any one particular party. It was a people's struggle. Our Liberation War was not just about separating from the Pakistani ruling class. Its ultimate goal was to achieve "equality, human dignity, and social justice."

Sadly, even after 53 years of independence, these goals remain unachieved. This has led to a new wave of people's awakening. We respect this awakening. We too wish for people to regain their lost rights. People should have the right to vote, the right to food. A fair democratic environment should be created in the country. No group, under the guise of political gain, will ever be allowed to question our independence. We cannot take a single step forward without honoring the glorious history of our Liberation War. Our nation's history is woven through the story of our Liberation War. Therefore, as long as Bangladesh exists, we must sing the song of our victory. It is our collective responsibility to preserve the significance and dignity of Victory Day.