Independence Day parade cancelled: Political context and questions

Independence Day is a day of glory in the history of Bangladesh. On March 26, 1971, Bangladesh declared its independence, and after a long 9-month bloody war, freedom was attained. This day is not only a national holiday but also a symbol of the Bengali nation's identity and the spirit of independence. However, recently, there has been controversy and questions regarding the decision to cancel the Independence Day celebrations, especially the parade.

The Independence Day parade is a well-established tradition. It is not just a formality, but an important part of awakening national consciousness and remembering the glory of the liberation war. However, in recent times, due to the changing political and administrative situation in the country, these events have faced various challenges.

Recently, the Home Secretary announced that, just like last year, there will be no Independence Day parade this year too, similar to the Victory Day parade. He stated that, according to the Chief Adviser, the country is in a kind of 'war situation', and in such circumstances, organizing events like the Independence Day celebrations is not justifiable. The Ramadan month and government holidays were also cited as reasons for this decision.

However, within hours of this announcement, a completely different statement came from the press wing of the Chief Adviser. It was stated that the news of the cancellation of the Independence Day parade was incorrect. Due to ongoing renovation work at the Dhaka Stadium, there will be no parade there, but parades will be held as usual in other districts and divisional cities, and freedom fighters will be honored. This statement created a clear contradiction between the Home Secretary and the press wing of the Chief Adviser. On one hand, it caused confusion among the public, and on the other hand, questions arose: which government statement is correct?

If the Home Secretary is telling the truth, the question arises: what crisis is the country currently facing that makes it impossible to hold the Independence Day official events? Where other governmental and non-governmental activities are proceeding normally, why is there a decision to cancel the parade? This has raised doubts about whether there is any political motive behind this decision.

On the other hand, if the statement from the Chief Adviser’s press wing is considered true, questions arise as to why the parade cannot be organized anywhere else in Dhaka, given that the stadium is under renovation? Is there no other place in the capital where the event could take place? Or is there an attempt to deliberately avoid the main Independence Day event?

Many people see the decision to cancel the Independence Day celebrations as politically motivated. The influence of anti-independence forces has always been notable in Bangladesh’s political history. Many people have doubts about the actions of the current interim government. In particular, there have been allegations of indirect support for anti-independence forces. Under this government, the power of these forces has increased, which poses a threat to the country’s independence and sovereignty.

Many people view the decision to cancel the Independence Day events in this context. They believe that the government made this decision under pressure from or in compromise with anti-independence forces. Through this decision, it seems as though the government is attempting to undermine the significance and spirit of Independence Day. Is this a sign of the government's leniency towards the anti-independence forces?

A review of the government's activities shows that they do not seem particularly interested in important national events like Independence Day. Similar indifference was seen during the Victory Day celebrations as well. The decision to cancel the Independence Day parade may be an administrative or strategic move for the government, but it could also indirectly encourage the rise of anti-independence forces. These forces have always sought to demean the spirit of the liberation war, and if the core Independence Day events are not properly observed at the state level, it will become a victory for them.

The government has stated that the country is in a state of war, and under these circumstances, people are not in the mood for celebrations. But the question remains: is the country really in such a war-like state that it necessitates the cancellation of the Independence Day celebrations? Everything else in the country is running normally. Schools, colleges, offices, courts, and businesses are all operating as usual. So, what is the justification for canceling only the Independence Day celebrations?

There is ample reason to believe that political motives are at play behind the government's decision. By canceling the Independence Day celebrations, the government appears to be showing loyalty to the anti-independence forces. Through this decision, it seems as though the government is denying the spirit and values of Independence Day.

Independence Day is not just a national holiday; it is a symbol of the Bengali nation’s identity and the spirit of independence. This day reminds us of the sacrifices and struggles through which we earned our freedom. It reminds us that we must continue to move forward while carrying the values and spirit of our liberation war.

However, the decision to cancel the Independence Day celebrations is seen as an attempt to undermine this spirit and these values. Through this decision, the government seems to be expressing loyalty to anti-independence forces.

The decision to cancel the Independence Day parade has sparked questions and debates. The government’s conflicting statements, the political context, and the influence of anti-independence forces have all raised concerns. Through this decision, it seems that the government is attempting to undermine the significance and spirit of Independence Day. It seems as though the government is expressing loyalty to the anti-independence forces. The significance and spirit of Independence Day remind us to carry forward the values and spirit of our liberation war. We must not allow this spirit and these values to be undermined.

If this decision is really based on an urgent situation, the government should explain it transparently to the public. Otherwise, it will be seen as nothing more than political indecisiveness and an expression of unclear policy. On national days like Independence Day, the state must present a united and organized stance, ensuring that the spirit of the liberation war is honored and that the conspiracies of anti-independence forces do not succeed.

Chroranjan Sarkar: Columnist