The nation is celebrating Victory Day today (Monday), marking the birth of sovereign Bangladesh on December 16, 1971, following a nine-month brutal War of Liberation. This year's celebrations, however, are uniquely significant as the country also celebrates the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s regime on August 5, 2024. The fall of her government, which had been in power for over 15 years, was the result of a massive popular uprising. After facing intense political backlash for years of persecution against dissenters, Sheikh Hasina fled to India as the people of Bangladesh took to the streets, marking the beginning of what many are calling the "second liberation" of their nation.
This year’s Victory Day holds renewed significance, as Bangladesh embarks on a new chapter after the toppling of the authoritarian government. The sacrifices made by countless students, workers, and citizens during the 2024 uprising have been likened to the heroic efforts of those who fought in the War of Liberation. Over 700 people lost their eyesight, many had organs amputated, and at least 24,000 people sustained bullet wounds. Many are still recovering in hospitals, while others are still missing or have become victims of enforced disappearances. As the country moves forward, it takes a renewed pledge to realize the aspirations of the 1971 War of Liberation and fulfill the dreams of those who gave their lives to free the nation from occupation forces.
Paying tribute to the heroes
Today, tens of thousands of people from different walks of life—political parties, socio-cultural organizations, professionals, academics, and citizens—are gathering at the National Monument in Savar to pay their respects to the martyrs who fought for Bangladesh's independence. The first to lay wreaths at the monument will be President Muhammad Shahabuddin, followed by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, and then representatives from political parties, organizations, and institutions. The day will begin with a 31-gun salute, paying homage to the heroes of the 1971 Liberation War.
The National Monument will be adorned with the national flag, which will be hoisted atop government offices, semi-government establishments, and private offices across the country. Key buildings will be illuminated in the evening, and the day will be filled with discussions, prayers, and special events, including milad and doa mahfils. This is a public holiday, with various commemorative programs broadcasted live.
In their separate messages, President Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Yunus paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War. Both leaders emphasized the importance of building a Bangladesh free from corruption and exploitation, and they pledged to uphold the values that inspired the War of Liberation and the recent victory over autocracy.
President Shahabuddin’s call for national unity
President Muhammad Shahabuddin, in his Victory Day message, called upon all citizens to contribute toward building a nation free from corruption and exploitation. He emphasized the importance of implementing the goals of the Liberation War by ensuring a society where freedom and equality prevail. He extended his heartfelt tributes to the martyrs and noted the extraordinary sacrifices made by the freedom fighters and the citizens who stood with them in their struggle for independence.
The President also mentioned the recent uprising against the autocratic regime, saying, “The dream to build a corruption-free Bangladesh envisioned during the students’ mass uprising this year will be realized soon.” He urged everyone to unite for the prosperity of the country and to take Bangladesh forward on the path of development.
Chief Adviser Yunus's commitment to national progress
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who became the head of the interim government formed after the fall of the previous regime, expressed his determination to work towards a developed, prosperous, and well-governed Bangladesh. He highlighted that the 2024 uprising, led by students and workers, resulted in the formation of a government committed to fulfilling the promises made during the War of Liberation.
In his message, Yunus recalled the bloodshed and sacrifices of the freedom fighters who gave their lives to achieve independence. He described Victory Day as not only a source of pride but also an oath to protect the nation’s sovereignty and uphold the values of the Liberation War. He assured the nation that the government would continue to strengthen the country and safeguard the gains of freedom.
Honorary commissions and other celebrations
In celebration of Victory Day 2024, the Bangladesh Navy (BN) granted honorary commissions to 32 junior commissioned officers, who were promoted to the rank of honorary sub-lieutenant. This gesture is one of the many ways the nation is marking the day and paying tribute to the sacrifices made by its people.
A nation united in hope and pride
As Bangladesh celebrates Victory Day in 2024, it does so with renewed vigor, embracing the spirit of resilience and unity that has defined the nation’s history. The successful toppling of a long-standing authoritarian regime has reinvigorated the hopes and dreams of millions of Bangladeshis, and the country stands poised to fulfill the promises made by the martyrs of both the War of Liberation and the people’s uprising of 2024. The nation is not only remembering its past but also preparing for a future rooted in freedom, justice, and equality.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
