The Victory Day
Introduction: The 16th of December is a red letter day in the history of Bangladesh. Pak army surrendered
to the allied forces (freedom fighters and Indian forces) after nine months of
bloody war new Bangladesh came into being. It was our long-felt and long-desired victory. So 16th December is our Victory Day. It is the day
of our great pride and jubilation.
Historical background: The Liberation
War of Bangladesh lasted for about nine months only but it had a bitter
history of discrimination policy for more than two decades. In 1947, the
then Pakistan came into being on the basis of communalism. Two parts of a state
– East Pakistan and West Pakistan remaining at more than one thousand miles
always underwent the dissimilarity of language, culture, and geographical
climate. The people of these two Muslim-dominated states were always at war
with their rights and sharing of resources. Moreover, from the beginning of the
birth of the two provinces – the West Pakistani rulers began to treat the
people of East Pakistan as second-class class citizens. State language issues became
the first discord between the two states in 1952. The resources of East
Pakistan began to be plundered by the Punjabi landlords, bureaucrats, and
military officers. Through the general election of 1954, the Martial law of 1958, the Six
Points demands of 1966, Public upsurge of 1969 the people of East Pakistan
began to realize the hollowness of the state mechanism. Demands for regional;
autonomy began to rise, concept of East Pakistan nationalism came into being resulting in a language movement. President Field Marshal Ayub Khan named
as “Ironman” was compelled to resign at the rise of public upsurge. The people
of East Pakistan gave their mandate in favor of the 6-point demand in the general
election of 1970. But Awami League despite having an absolute majority could not
ascend to power due to the Yahiya – Bhuttu conspiracy. With the plea of discussion
for transferring power, General Yahiya began to collect arms and ammunition
from West Pakistan. Having made all preparations Yahiya flew to Rawalpindi and
signaled the order for the Bangalee massacre. On the black night of 25th
March Pakistani forces got down the streets of Dhaka to kill unarmed Bangalees.
The great undisputed leader of East Pakistan, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
was arrested. The war of liberation started. After nine months of bloody war
killing 30 lacs of people and oppressing 2 lacs of women the
Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistani forces General AK Niazi signed the
Surrender Deed at 4:30 pm at the Racecourse Maidan on 16th December
1971.
Victory Day Celebration: Victory
Day is celebrated with various activities and programmed of government and
non-government organizations. This is a public holiday but the national flag is
hoisted on the buildings of official installations, shopping centers, and
residential areas. Armed forces, BNCC, Rover Scout, Girls Guide, and the
students of schools and colleges gather for the procession and parade. People of
different religions pray for the eternal peace of the departed martyrs in their
respective shrines. ‘Mezban’ is held in different places. Literary and cultural
organizations hold discussions, seminars, and cultural shows to mark the day. Radio
and television telecast different programmes. Newspaper publishes special
supplement on the importance of the day.
Victory Day and our expectation: The
prime objective of our liberation war is to make an exploitation-free
democratic state. But it is a matter of great regret, our objective has not yet
been fulfilled. Just after three years of liberation, the architect of
independent Bangladesh was brutally killed. The country came under martial law.
In 1991 parliamentary democracy was established after an autocratic regime.
Bangladesh is experiencing a series of changes in politics and blusters of
politicians but no sign of development is traced out till now.
Conclusion: The people of Bangladesh proved
the fact, through their bloody struggle, that freedom is the birthright of
man. The aspirations of the martyred heroes will be achieved only when
Bangladesh enjoys economic freedom.
