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Published : 16 Dec 2025, 05:19 PM
Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice-President Abu Shadik Kayem has said the "pledge" for this Victory Day is to establish "justice” by holding those who have attempted to make the state "ineffective" since 1971 to account.
Paying tribute to the heroic martyrs at the National Martyrs' Memorial alongside other DUCSU leaders on Tuesday, he said that their pledge on Victory Day was to deal with those who tried to turn Bangladesh into a dysfunctional state and sought to destroy its vast potential over the last 16 years, as well as the over the past 54 years.
This includes those involved in enforced disappearances, killings, the "Ayna Ghor" (house of mirrors) detention cells, and the recent mass killing and murder of children during the 2024 July Uprising.
The primary resolution today is to bring Sheikh Hasina and her associates to justice, he added.
Shadik, the former Dhaka University Shibir unit president, said every struggle and fight for freedom in the history of Bangladesh is intrinsically linked to the nation's existence.
The movements of 1947, 1971, and 2024 are all deeply emotional milestones and 1971 is a national achievement, he said.
“Through the struggle of 1971, the nation gained its map and flag, achieving victory on the 16th of December.”
He, however, argued that the aspiration of the Liberation War -- to establish a Bangladesh based on justice within a sovereign territory -- has not been fulfilled even after 54 years of independence.
He added that the “fascist” structure of the last 16 years in particular destroyed the country’s immense potential, but the July Uprising has presented a new, historic opportunity.
Referring to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Shadik said: “We request the interim government to bring her back to Bangladesh from Delhi as soon as possible to execute her sentence. At the same time, all the criminals, perpetrators of massacres, and killers of children who have taken refuge in Delhi must be repatriated and brought to justice.”
DREAMING OF BUILDING A NEW BANGLADESH: RASHED KHAN
After paying his respects at the National Memorial, Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan also spoke about the failure to achieve the nation's goals even 54 years after independence.
He said, “Our great freedom fighters dreamt of such a state -- one where there would be democracy, freedom of speech, and justice. However, we witnessed how, under the Awami regime, people’s voices were stifled, democracy was destroyed, and a 'fascist' system was established. Those who established this system always claimed to be the forces in favour of the Liberation War.
“The manner in which those self-proclaimed forces fell is visible to us all. Now, we are all dreaming of building a new Bangladesh. The 2024 mass uprising has given us the opportunity to forge a new nation.”
He said, “We, the youth, believe that the old system of politics from the past can no longer be allowed in Bangladesh. As you know, an election is approaching; the entire nation is eagerly waiting for it. This election must certainly be the finest in our history, and I believe this truly reflects the spirit of the Liberation War.”
Rashed said the next election must not only be free, fair and impartial, but also free from "fascism". He warned that conspiracies had already begun to sabotage the election, alleging that the Awami League had started plotting with the election as its target and that it was continuing to conspire in various ways to return to power.
