The celebration of eternal Victory Day in a new light

This year’s July-August uprising adds a new dimension to the celebration of Bangladesh's 53rd anniversary

The day returns when the flag of independence soared in Bengal’s free sky, after a nine-month war that claimed the lives of three million martyrs.

On Dec 16, 1971, Bangladesh emerged as a new nation on the world map, breaking free from two decades of oppressive Pakistani rule.

This Monday, the country marks its 53rd Victory Day.

The entire country is decked out in red and green to commemorate the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War and celebrate the joy of victory alongside extensive programmes to mark the historic event.

The liberation of Bengal came after shedding a lot of blood, at the end of exploitation, deprivation, and suffering, at the cost of the self-immolation of millions of people and the sacrifice of Bengali mothers.

In memory of them, the national flag will be hoisted at all government and private facilities on Monday.

The National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar and all other martyr altars across the country will be filled with floral tributes.

The roads will become noisy with processions to celebrate the day.

Although Pakistan was created in 1947 on the basis of Muhammad Ali Jinnah's two-nation theory, many political analysts predicted that it would not survive, then oppression and persecution intensified the desire for sovereignty and independence of the people of East Pakistan.

In 1971, West Pakistanis imposed a war on the people of East Pakistan in an attempt to stop their struggle for independence at gunpoint.

After the dark night of Mar 25, 1971, Bengalis jumped on the war of resistance at the call of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Then on Dec 16, the Pakistani forces surrendered to the joint forces of the Mukti Bahini and the Eastern Army Command of India at the then Race Course Maidan – now Suhrawardy Udyan – in Dhaka and the red-green flag flew in the free land of the new country.

Bangladesh has seen many political and socio-economic ups and downs over the past 52 years of victory; this year's July-August mass uprising has added a new reality to its celebration.

The nation is celebrating the great moment of victory in 1971 in a different context when the Awami League, the party that led the Liberation War, is not in any visible programme and the interim government that came through a mass uprising is in state power.

Awami League President Sheikh Hasina left the country after the student-led movement ended her 15 and a half years' grip on power.

After the fall of the government, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has taken an initiative to prosecute the party, including the former prime minister, alleging “indiscriminate killings” in the movement.

During this period of the interim government, there has been a debate about whether Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will be called the Father of the Nation or not; the historic Mar 7, Aug 15 and other days have been dropped from the list of national days.

Information and Broadcasting Advisor Nahid Islam said the interim government does not consider Bangabandhu as the “Father of the Nation”.

Questioned whether Bangladesh will have a Father of the Nation, the advisor said: “Many people have contributed to the history of our struggle in this land. Our history did not begin in 1952. We fought in the anti-British struggle in the ’47 and ’71 struggle, in ’90 and ’24 too. We have many founding fathers too. Because of their struggle, we have our independence.”

The young advisor, who was one of the coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement that led the July-August uprising, recalled the names of some prominent figures such as Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani and Jogendranath Mandal.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court also recently stayed the High Court verdict recognising the “Joy Bangla” national slogan which was used extensively by the freedom fighters in 1971.

Many people, including the writers and researchers specialising in the Liberation War, see a difference in celebrating Victory Day in such an altered reality.

However, they say, no matter what changes Bangladesh goes through, and no matter what path it takes, the Liberation War must be kept beyond controversy.

Dr Sarwar Ali, freedom fighter and trustee of the Liberation War Museum, told bdnews24.com: “I hope the twenty-four [2024 mass uprising] will be helpful in fulfilling the shortcomings of our aspirations in the continuity of 1971.”

He said the desire to change the state power through universal suffrage led to the Liberation War against the Pakistani rulers, but later that desire was not fulfilled due to many reasons. People’s trust in elections is gone.”

"Since the people still want an accountable and democratic election and government, this year it is expected that this aspiration should be fulfilled."

Sarwar said, 'We will present the narratives of the Liberation War, it is up to others to interpret them. But there has been no change in the narratives on the Liberation War or pre-Liberation War period.”

"If any new material emerges, it will be added, but the core narratives remain unchanged. This holds true for Bangladesh as it does for any other country."

Sarwar also pointed out that the media did not specifically publish reports on the Liberation War this year during the month of victory.

"Victory Day and Independence Day are not just holidays in any country," he remarked. "This year is an exception. December typically features columns on the Liberation War, and prime news segments on television dedicate episodes to it. For reasons unknown to me, this has been noticeably absent this year."

"It might be because the media perceives those in power to have an unfavourable view of the Liberation War. But I don't believe that's the case. What I believe is that the emotions and sentiments about the Liberation War, as it is in society, are also present in those who run the state."

Haroon Habib, a writer, researcher and journalist, said the truth of history must be upheld with full respect, urging the "unconditional" recognition of Mar 26, Dec 14, and December 16 as national milestones.

"As a freedom fighter and as a citizen, I believe the history of the Liberation War should never be mired in controversy."

Haroon added: "Any democratic individual, regardless of political affiliation, has the right to govern according to their ideology. Similarly, people have the right to express support or opposition. However, if you forget to eternally honour the Liberation War and its memorial significance, it would pose a serious crisis for the nation."

PRESIDENT CALLS FOR A 'DISCRIMINATION-FREE, EXPLOITATION-FREE' BANGLADESH

In his Victory Day message, President Mohammed Shahabuddin called for the creation of a 'discrimination-free and exploitation-free' Bangladesh, in line with the spirit of the Liberation War and the aspirations of the 2024 mass uprising.

He said, “The primary goal of our Liberation War was not only to achieve political independence but also to ensure the economic emancipation of the Bangladeshis. With this goal in mind, the battle for economic freedom and the agricultural revolution began through the reconstruction of the war-torn economy and infrastructure.”

“However, even after five decades of victory, economic emancipation for the people remains unachieved. Our democratic progress and economic journey have been repeatedly disrupted," he added.

He continued, "Yet, Bangladesh’s development and progress have never stalled. The nation is advancing across multiple socio-economic indicators, including health, education, and women’s empowerment. I believe that the dream of a corruption-free and egalitarian Bangladesh, envisioned by the people through the student-led mass uprising in July-August this year, will soon become a reality. Bangladesh, the land of heroes, will establish itself with dignity on the global stage.”

The president called on all citizens to contribute more from their respective positions towards building a prosperous and advanced Bangladesh.

'SOURCE OF PRIDE, DAY OF OATH'

In his Victory Day message, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus said, "Victory Day is not only a source of pride but also a day of commitment — a commitment to unity, safeguarding our sovereignty, and upholding the spirit of the Liberation War."

“On this day, we respectfully remember the valiant martyrs of our independence struggle and honour their sacrifices. The interim government, formed through a mass uprising of students, workers, and the public, is committed to building a prosperous, advanced, and well-governed Bangladesh through collective efforts,” he added.

The interim prime minister said, "We are determined to make our country more developed and stronger, to enjoy the full benefits of independence. I wish for the overall success of 'Victory Day 2024'."

VICTORY DAY CELEBRATIONS

On Monday morning, the Victory Day events will commence with a 31-gun salute in Dhaka.

At sunrise, the president and the chief advisor will lay wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Monument in Savar.

Following this, the families of the bravest freedom fighters, war-wounded freedom fighters, and valiant freedom fighters, led by Liberation War Affairs Advisor Faruk E Azam, will also pay their tributes by laying wreaths.

Foreign diplomats, political and social organisations, as well as people from all walks of life, will lay wreaths to pay tribute to the martyred heroes of the Liberation War.

On this government holiday, national flags will be hoisted at all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings.

Important buildings and installations have already been decorated with lights.

Key roads and intersections in Dhaka and other major cities have been adorned with national flags.

Social and cultural organisations, including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, Bangladesh National Museum, Liberation War Museum, and Bangladesh Shishu Academy, will organise discussions, cultural events, children's painting, essay and sports competitions, and the screening of Liberation War-based documentaries.

In addition, Victory Day fairs will be held throughout the districts and Upazilas of the country.

Painting contests and cultural events for children will also take place.

Bangladesh embassies abroad will also organise events highlighting the significance of the day.

The interim government, in a press release, announced that in the afternoon at Bangabhaban, families of the nation's heroes will be honoured.

In metropolitan cities, districts, and Upazilas, the families of the brave freedom fighters and martyrs will also be recognised.

The Bangladesh Post Office has issued a commemorative postage stamp for the occasion.

At ports such as Chattogram, Khulna, Mongla, Payra, and in Dhaka's Sadarghat, Narayanganj, and Barishal, as well as at the BIWTC jetties, ships of the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard will be open to the public for viewing from 2:00pm until sunset.

All children's parks and museums across the country will be open to the public, and free Liberation War-related films will be screened in cinemas.