‘Nine months of sadness, cherished birth to your homeland’
Dhaka: Today is a day of unique glory in the thousand year’s history of Bengalis. Bangladesh was liberated on this day in 1971 from the clutches of the enemy due the to the sacrifices of 30 lakh martyrs, struggles and heroism of 7 crore Bengalis.
The glorious golden chapter was achieved after crossing the river of blood! 9 months of abandonment and sacrifices! Which can be called in the language of poetry, ‘Nine long months, nurtured in the aura of sadness / on the green map of the world, shining red sun / born your O homeland’.
And this victory journey started from the partition of India in 1947. Since then, exploitation and deprivation of West Pakistanis has been going on in East Pakistan. The first blow comes on the mother tongue, again, sometimes economically. This story of oppression and discrimination continues to grow day by day. And people continue to be vocal in protest of these injustices. There were sparks of protest in various places.
The final beginning of the liberation from the shackles of subjugation was the 1970 general election in Pakistan. The Awami League led by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman won that election. However, the politicians in the West Pakistan were reluctant to hand over power. Unspeakable atrocities began on the people of East Pakistan. In that context, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence on March 7 at race course. In this speech, Bangabandhu, the undisputed leader of the Bengalis, called upon the nation to unite to take part in the final battle for independence.
He said, "This time the struggle is for our liberation, this time the struggle is for our freedom."
After the delay in handing over power, the terrible night of March 25, 1971 came. That night the Pakistani military attacked the unarmed, innocent sleeping Bengalis. Numerous civilians, students, teachers, intellectuals and Bengali policemen were killed. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested.
Then a bloody chapter has begun. The heroic sons of the country responded to Bangabandhu's call and emerged in a strong resistance struggle against the invaders. Pakistani aggressors killed 30 lakh innocent people in the bloody 9-month long war of liberation. 3 lakh mothers and sisters were disgraced. Huge loss of resources was caused. One crore people took refuge in neighboring India to save their lives. 3900 Indian soldiers were also killed in the battle.
Finally, on 16 December 1971, at 4:31 pm at the Ramna Racecourse Ground in Dhaka, Lieutenant General A.A.K Niazi, Commander of the invading Pakistani forces with 93,000 troops, surrendered to General Jagjit Singh Aurora, chief of Eastern Command and Joint forces.
On that day independent Bangladesh was born in the map of the world. The victorious Bengalis raised the red-green flag high. The Bengali expedition is raising that flag.
Today is a public holiday on the occasion of Victory Day. On the occasion of the great Victory Day, people will lay wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar. The nation will remember with deep respect and love those martyrs whose sacrifices have earned them dear freedom. However, the atmosphere of this Victory Day celebration is different. Coronavirus has killed millions of people around the world, including Bangladesh. So the day of victory must be celebrated in accordance with the rules of hygiene.
Various arrangements on Victory Day:
On the occasion of the great Victory Day, special prayers will be offered in mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship seeking peace and prosperity of the nation. Improved food will be served in hospitals, jails, orphanages, old age homes, government children's homes, various orphanages and various such government institutions. Similar programs will be undertaken at district and upazilla level and also at Bangladesh embassies abroad highlighting the significance of the day. As the sun rises, national flag will be hoisted at all government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings and illuminated at night. The main roads and road islands will be decorated with national flag and other flag.
Special supplement has been published in the national newspaper on the occasion of Victory Day. Special programs are being aired on Bangladesh Betar and other radio and television highlighting the significance of the day.
Besides, various political parties including Awami League have taken detailed program. At sunrise, national flags and party flags will be hoisted at the party's central office, Bangabandhu Bhaban and offices of organizations across the country. Wreath-laying at the National Memorial at 9 am. Tribute, ziarat, prayers and milad mahfil at the tomb of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara at 9.30 am. Paying homage to the portrait of the Father of the Nation at the premises of Bangabandhu Bhaban at 10:15 am. A limited discussion meeting will be held at the party's central office at 23 Bangabandhu Avenue at 3.30 pm. The party president and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address through video conference.
Opposition party BNP will start its program by hoisting national and party flags at the party's central office in Naya Paltan in the morning. The leaders of the party will pay homage at the National Memorial in Savar at 8.30 am. Returning from there, they will pay homage at the grave of party founder Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. A virtual discussion meeting will be held at 3:30 pm. The party leaders across the country will carry out the program in line with the central program.