Let Victory Day be a humble tribute to the martyrs

Our struggle for liberation began in 1948 with the issue of the state language. Language and culture are inseparable. Through the movement for the rights of language and culture, our sense of nationalism was awakened. This nationalism led the Bengali nation towards the secular culture of eternal Bengal. Was it only secularism? The movement for language and culture united the nation against neo-colonial rule, exploitation, and social inequality. For this reason, the victory of December 16, 1971, was a glorious triumph marked by the blood of martyrs, signaling the end of colonial rule, the rise of Bengali nationalism, and the establishment of a secular state culture and an egalitarian society. To truly understand the significance of Victory Day, one must look at Bangladesh of the Liberation War. After over two decades of intense resistance against the central exploitative rule of Pakistan and culminating in a fierce 9-month armed struggle, our victory was achieved on December 16, 1971, with the surrender of the Pakistani invading forces.

The victory in the Liberation War was the result of the individual and collective efforts of countless people, both at home and abroad. The entire discourse of our Liberation War essentially stemmed from the language movement. It was through the continuity of the language movement that the great Liberation War and the achievement of independence came to be. Therefore, the great Victory Day is a day of glory and pride in the history of the Bengali nation. The month of victory signifies a commitment to patriotism. Since 1971, December 16 has not just been a red-letter date on the calendar, but an inseparable part of national life. Every year, this emotional day comes with great fanfare in the dreams of all Bangladeshis. Every sunrise of life marks the beginning of victory. Every sunset of life narrates the tale of victory. Victory means living in a way that one truly lives. Victory means holding onto independence firmly in the heart.

The glorious Liberation War of 1971 shines through the sacrifice and dedication of the martyrs, particularly the intellectuals. Honoring the brave freedom fighters means honoring the country and the nation. Through the strong leadership of Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Bengali people created a world history by seizing the sun of freedom through one of the most intense and blood-soaked liberation struggles, giving birth to an independent country on the world map and reflecting the hopes and aspirations of the people. The structured weaving of time aligns with history, civilization, and the invaluable documents of freedom. The Liberation War is our source of inspiration. The Liberation War is the name of an awakened consciousness. It is the most significant achievement of the nation in the 20th century. The Liberation War is a timeless tale of ultimate sacrifice. The Liberation War is an inseparable part of the nation's conscience. It is a silent document, mingled with joy and sorrow.

The emergence of Bangladesh is thus a historic reality. History does not form suddenly; those who change the course of history are leaders. Leaders create history. History creates people. And for this reason, the pages of history are filled with the history of a sea of blood—the history of the great Liberation War. Every person is a name of immense potential. Inside every heart lies an endless and boundless world. This world is one of integrity, morality, and above all, patriotism. It was with this spirit of patriotism that the fearless Bengali freedom fighters, inspired by the call of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, plunged into the great Liberation War to put an end to colonial misrule and achieve independence. The Bengalis, with the strength of their hearts and their unshakable love for the country, shook the foundations of imperial power.

In the national consciousness, there are many reasons to be proud as Bengalis. The long years of misrule, exploitation, and oppression led to the struggle for liberation and independence. The historic speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 7, 1971, is pivotal in this context. March 7 and Bangabandhu are inseparable from history. This day is unforgettable in the history of Bangladesh. In the evaluation of the country’s history, Bangabandhu's March 7 speech stands as the documentary proof and declaration of the birth of independence, where every word was filled with the mantra of liberation and freedom. Inspired by Bangabandhu’s courageous and uncompromising leadership, the Bengali nation jumped into the struggle for independence against the colonial rule of Pakistan. The continuation of the Bengali people's struggle for their rights resulted in the great Liberation War and the independence movement.

To achieve independence, nearly three million people were martyred in the nine months of the bloody Liberation War. The independence of Bengal was secured at the cost of the immense sacrifice of the fearless freedom fighters. Bangladesh is now independent. The significance of Victory Day in our national life is undeniable. December 16 is the glorious Victory Day of the Bengali people's struggle for liberation. On this Victory Day, our pledge should be to establish a secular, humanistic, non-religious, democratic, progressive, and creative state. The great Victory Day is a day in the nation's life that is memorable, worthy of celebration, everlasting, unforgettable, and full of significance. It is a day of oath-taking for economic emancipation and the preservation of independence, as well as a day to embrace the commitment to patriotism during the month of victory. The freedom fighters, the greatest sons of the thousand-year-old Bengali nation, are the true heroes, and the independence of Bangladesh is the greatest achievement in the nation's long history. The immortal saga of their heroic and audacious valor will forever remain alive in the hearts of millions of Bengalis. The fruits of the freedom fighters' sacrifices have not been wasted.

The heroic tales and biographies of all the martyrs of the great Liberation War and the movements for rights and democracy will always be inscribed in golden letters in the history of the nation. It is a matter of great sorrow that today we are on the verge of losing the history, heritage, and consciousness of the Liberation War. The history of the Liberation War is becoming forgotten by the new generation. Preserving the spirit of the Liberation War and portraying the true picture of the liberation and independence struggle to the new generation is not only necessary but absolutely essential. The visionary leadership of Ziaur Rahman, the announcer of independence, calls us to forget divisions and unite, where the diversity of religion, language, and culture is harmonized to establish the concept of one nationality. His leadership reminds us how, in the backdrop of a suffocating history, we made the sun of independence shine bright.

In today's Bangladesh, as we move forward, the ideals of Ziaur Rahman continue to serve as a source of inspiration, strengthening our unity and humanity. His emergence during a critical moment in the history of the Bengali nation was marked by immense courage and wisdom. His declaration of independence from the Kalurghat radio station in Chattogram inspired and united the nation, rallying people toward a common goal. His contribution as a freedom fighter and leadership of the Z Force were symbols of his indomitable courage. When Shaheed Zia declared independence, the nation did not focus on religion or caste; instead, everyone united in agreement with his declaration, determined to build an independent Bangladesh. The dream of an independent Bangladesh, which he envisioned at the cost of the blood of millions of martyrs, remains etched in our hearts to this day.

After independence, when the country's future depended on courageous leadership, President Ziaur Rahman selflessly worked as the deputy head of the army, ensuring the security and sovereignty of the country. His selfless sacrifices and courage during that time continue to inspire us, as he was the beacon of hope whose courage and leadership will remain forever etched in the nation's history. The spirit of the Liberation War and the joy of victory must be passed down from generation to generation. In the context of time, the place of the freedom fighters should be honored with the highest dignity—this should be the collective wish of all. Ensuring the rights, dignity, honor, and recognition of the freedom fighters in all spheres of state and social life is a national duty. The steps taken by the current government in this regard are not only commendable but also unforgettable. On this great day of Liberation, Independence, and Victory, I extend my heartfelt love and profound respect to all the martyrs of 1971.

Victory Day is not just a celebration of victory, but the true purpose of observing Victory Day is to honor and remember those who were martyred in the war. It is a day to express our gratitude for their sacrifice in protecting the country. As Bangladesh crosses the golden jubilee of its independence and victory, it steps into its 54th year. Fifty-three years is no short time. Now, we must focus on the movement to build a more humane state; and this can only be achieved by involving all people. Politics must be reclaimed from the hands of self-serving politicians. Politics must be accountable, transparent, and enriched with the easy participation of ordinary people. Can we do this? We must, because only comprehensive freedom can provide the taste of victory and deliver a vibrant, flourishing country.

Rayhan Ahmed Tapader: Researcher and Columnist.