Month of independence begins today

The month of independence begins on Sunday giving a heartbreaking reminder to the genocide that the Pakistani occupation forces carried out in the country from March to mid-December in 1971.

For various reasons, the month of March is a source of inner strength in the lives of Bengalis. Throughout the turbulent March of 1971, Bengalis had dreams of independence in their eyes. And the final fight for independence began in this month. Brave Bengalis built resistance against the Pakistani occupying forces.

The fire that was lit for the language on February 21, 1952 spread all over Bsngladesh. After this, the United Front elections, the education movement of 1962, the six-point movement of 1966 and the mass uprising of 1969 brought new news to the lives of Bengalis.

On March 7, 1971, during the historic speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the former Racecourse Maidan - today's Suhrawardyadi Udyan - became turbulent with the roar of freedom-loving people. The same voice of millions of people was raised from one end of the country to the other.

On the night of March 25, the Pakistanis launched Operation Searchlight to exterminate the Bengalis with the aim of silencing the voice forever. The soldiers took to the streets of Dhaka and indiscriminately killed thousands of people. They attacked various educational institutions including Dhaka University and killed students and teachers. Shortly after 1 am, Pakistani soldiers arrested Bangabandhu from his house.

On March 27, martyred President Ziaur Rahman read the Declaration of Independence from the Kalurghat Radio Center in Chattogram. His announcement made this radio station known as the 'Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra'.

The history of resistance then began. Young and old joined the great liberation war. After a long nine-month armed war, the nation gained independence through the victory of December 16.

This month, the nation will celebrate 55 years of great independence. On this occasion, meetings, gatherings and cultural programmes will begin from the first day of the month. The country will be filled with various events.