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Published : 25 Mar 2025, 01:32 PM
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus believes the goal of establishing a just society in an independent Bangladesh has remained elusive.
He said, “The aim of the 1971 Liberation War was to establish a just society where the rule of law would prevail, basic human rights would be ensured and a society without discrimination would be established.
“But a just society has not yet been established in an independent Bangladesh. For a long time, the people of this country have been deprived of their voting rights. A fascist system has been established in the country through a regime of corruption, looting and enforced disappearances.”
The head of government’s remarks came during the Independence Award presentation ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Tuesday.
Recalling the atrocities of that night in 1971, Yunus said: “Today, Mar 25, marks a massacre that is a stain on the history of human civilisation. On this night in 1971, the Pakistani occupying forces mercilessly opened fire on unarmed, sleeping Bengalis and killed thousands of people.
“Since Mar 25, the people of this country began staging an armed resistance. Bangladesh became independent through a 9-month war.”
Highlighting the sacrifices of the martyrs and those injured in the July Uprising, he said: “Because of them, we got the opportunity to dream of building a new Bangladesh. We will never let this opportunity pass in vain.”
Seven individuals are receiving the 2025 Independence Award this year for their meritorious contributions to the nation.
Six of them have received the award posthumously. The chief advisor described them as the “Brightest Lights of Bangla”.
Highlighting the contributions of scientist Prof Jamal Nazrul Islam, Yunus said: “He was always engaged in work for the welfare of nature and the people.”
Regarding the literary works of Mir Abdus Shukur Al Mahmud, the head of government said: “His poems have inspired many poets, writers, and readers.”
The chief advisor commented that Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, the founder of the non-governmental development organisation BRAC, played an important role in building the country during and after the Liberation War.
He said, “He established BRAC with the money from the sale of a flat in London. BRAC is now playing an important role in multifaceted works, including improving the quality of life of the poor and marginalised.''
Writer and intellectual Badruddin Umar, the only living nominee, has declined the award in the Education and Research category.
Yunus said he was honoured to give him this recognition. He said, “His memory will be preserved in the National Museum as an inspiration for our future generations.”
Recalling the contributions of sculptor Novera Ahmed, the chief advisor said: “The first sculpture in East Bengal was made by Novera. She is a pioneer of modern sculpture.”
Yunus said that pop king Azam Khan provided inspiration for the Liberation War and the deprived people of the society through his songs.
A new category – “Protesting Youth” – was added to the awards this year. It went to Abrar Fahad, a BRAC student tortured to death by Chhatra League activists six years ago.
Describing Abrar as an inspiration to the new generation, the chief advisor said: “The inspiration for the Genji Generation (the T-shirt Generation) and the July mass uprising - is BUET student Abrar Fahad. He was killed by criminals after protesting strongly for justice and freedom of speech. We are proud to present him with a state award.”
The chief advisor said, “It is very sad that those who receive the Independence Award today were not able to receive this honour in their lifetime. However, the nation remembers their contributions with gratitude.”
Expressing his sympathy to the families of the awardees, he said: “Their work will inspire the youth for generations.”
