Dhaka, March 26: On Thursday, Bangladesh’s President Mohammad Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tariq Rahman paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the national monument, commemorating the country’s 56th Independence and National Day.
After laying wreaths, both leaders observed a moment of silence in honor of the fallen heroes. Local media reported that they also signed the visitors’ book at the memorial site.
March 26 is celebrated as Independence Day and National Day in honor of the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country. The armed struggle for independence began on the morning of March 26, 1971, following a brutal attack by the Pakistani army on unarmed Bangladeshis the night before, a day now referred to as “Genocide Day.”
According to Bangladeshi media outlet UNB, Bangladesh gained independence on December 16, 1971, after a nine-month-long struggle that resulted in the deaths of three million people and widespread atrocities against two hundred thousand women.
In his Independence Day message, PM Rahman urged citizens to work together to build a developed, prosperous, and flourishing Bangladesh.
In a statement released on Wednesday, he remarked, “March 26 is a glorious and historic day in our nation’s life. On this day, I respectfully remember the best sons of our country whose sacrifices enabled us to establish a free and sovereign Bangladesh. I am also grateful to the brave fighters who participated in the liberation struggle, the mothers and sisters who endured oppression, and all those who dedicated themselves to the fight for freedom. I pray for the peace of all martyrs’ souls.”
Calling for unity, harmony, and patriotism, the PM said, “Let us draw inspiration from the significance of this great Independence and National Day and dedicate ourselves to the welfare of the country in our own ways. Together, let us work towards a developed, prosperous, and flourishing Bangladesh.”
Meanwhile, there are reports that various forces are still attempting to undermine the ideals and principles of the Liberation War. It is said that this was encouraged during the eighteen-month tenure of Muhammad Yunus’s interim government.
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina criticized the previous interim government, alleging that the trial processes for many war criminals were halted, and several convicted individuals were released during that time.
She stated, “A war criminal sentenced to death was even made a member of the national parliament, which disrespected the sacrifices of millions of martyrs.”
Hasina further noted that efforts continue to deliberately erase the memories of the martyrs and resettle collaborators of the Pakistani army in various ways.
She emphasized, “This is not only an attempt to distort history but also an attack on the spirit of the liberation struggle.”
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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