Home ›› 16 Dec 2022 ›› Editorial
Today Bangladeshis throughout the globe are celebrating their glorious Victory Day. On this day in 1971 Pakistani occupation forces surrendered to the joint command of Bangladeshi freedom fighters and Indian army at Suhrawardy Uddyan in front of millions of jubilant Bengalis. The Bengalis won their victory after nine months of brave fighting against the Pakistani army and their local collaborators. Today is the time to remember the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu, and the national leaders who, inspired by Bangabandhu, led the nation to victory. On this day, we also remember our foreign friends, particularly India and the erstwhile Soviet Union, for their unflinching support during the crucial nine months of the war. We also recognise and reminisce the sacrifices of the Indian army shoulder to shoulder with the Mukti Bahini in the joint force.
A word of thanks is due to the international liberal media who were a tower of strength at our hour of need. They did a great job of securing goodwill for Bangladesh’s cause for which we remain grateful. Despite the odds stacked against Bangladesh when the country became independent, Bangladesh has achieved much in the last 48 years. The economy has progressed remarkably well. We have achieved self-sufficiency in food, and more and more children are going to school and receiving immunisation from diseases. Bangladesh has clinched the second spot after China in the global readymade apparels scene and we have diversified our exports to other emerging markets and products. Bangladesh has also gone a long way in achieving gender parity.
The leadership, under Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his trusted ally Tajuddin Ahmed, had a dream that actually guided the people to fight the Pakistani forces. Today we need to revive that vision and the dream in every citizen’s heart so that they feel inspired to achieve great things with bursts of creative energy a nation on move is capable of. Currently the country is in quest of the lost spirit of the Liberation War, once again and a demand for reconciliation with our history is gaining momentum. The reconciliation puts a premium on our commitment to the country’s fundamental principles that went into the making of this nation.
Bangladesh’s Independence, achieved at a very high cost in 1971, was a unique historical event that drew its inspirations from the ideals of a democratic, equitable and prosperous society. Ironically, Bangladesh’s existence since independence has been traumatic as well as promising. The first decade witnessed extreme volatility in politics, violent changes of government and military coups, the second with a brief interlude of civilian-democratic regime, was marked by a long period of authoritarian rule. The dawn of 1990 witnessed changing notes, rekindling hopes among the people for a better life they are entitled to. But power conflicts along the road cascading into increased polarisation and chaos could hardly sustain a fledgling democracy and economic stability. Yet, by developing-country standards, the country’s growth has been notable though it did not better the lot of the general mass. Economic indicators have been hovering tolerably well with the cushion to absorb various shocks. It pays for its purchases, never defaulting in meeting the balance of payments in international currency exchanges. The stigma tagged to Bangladesh at its birth that it was a “bottomless basket” case of perennial want and an international headache for distress management has clearly been proven wrong. This day should inspire us to strive to bridge the gaps with those countries in a time-bound fashion. To make this happen, we need leadership, we need galvanisation of the people’s power.
Proving the naysayers wrong Bangladesh has not only survived but also flourished since the Victory Day in 1971. With its strengthening economy and well established democratic values Bangladesh is a respected nation in the global community. Through celebration of this day amid much fervour we declare to the whole world how proud we are about our success in vanquishing the enemy of our freedom.
