People honour martyrs of '71 at national memorial, voice hopes for freedom and justice

At the break of dawn on Victory Day, as the sun rose over Savar, the nation's highest leaders paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the Shaheed Bedi of the National Martyrs' Memorial. 

President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus, advisers of the interim administration, chiefs of the armed forces and other dignitaries offered their respects. After the formal observances, the memorial grounds were opened to the public.

Soon after, the National Martyrs' Memorial was filled with a steady stream of people from all walks of life. The entire complex became crowded, with many visitors noting that this year's turnout was noticeably higher than in recent years, a picture borne out on the ground. As in previous years, representatives of social, political and professional organisations, educational institutions, and public and private bodies laid wreaths to honour the nation's finest sons, while ordinary citizens arrived in large numbers to pay homage to the fallen heroes of the Liberation War.

The Business Standard spoke with several visitors who had come to remember the martyrs. Many shared their hopes and expectations for the country, voicing aspirations for freedom of expression and a Bangladesh free from corruption, exploitation and oppression.

Jalal Uddin, a businessman from Ashulia who visited the memorial with his daughter and grandchildren, said paying tribute was both a duty and a responsibility to future generations. "Just as we owe a debt to the martyrs of the Liberation War, we also have a responsibility to tell the next generation about our proud history," he said.

On this Victory Day, he said he dreams of an open and free country. "My only wish on this Victory Day is a free country, an open one. A country where people will not be divided, where everyone can live according to their own beliefs, where everyone can speak freely, move freely, and breathe freely. That is the kind of country I want to see," he said.

Asked whether that freedom has been fully realised, he replied, "People still cannot speak openly. Everyone – Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists – should be able to live freely and equally in this country. The core aspiration of independence has not yet been fully realised."

Referring to those who question the number of martyrs of the Liberation War, he said firmly, "Those who raise such questions are not people of this country, and that is my clear statement." He also rejected attempts to pit 1971 against 2024, saying, "Without 1971, this country would not have been independent. There can be no compromise on 1971."

AKM Saiful Islam, a private-sector employee at a multinational company who came with his wife and three daughters, said Victory Day is a moment of national pride. "We come here mainly to give the next generation an understanding of our history," he said, adding, "If corruption can be stopped, everything will fall into place. That is the Bangladesh I want to see."

He recalled how national flags used to be hoisted everywhere during national days. "That culture has been fading away. But I still hoist the flag at home and try to ensure my children carry our history and pride within them," he said.

Emphasising parental responsibility, he added, "It is our duty as parents to ensure our children learn the country's history correctly. Unfortunately, history has been distorted at different times. Governments have changed, but it is my responsibility to make sure my children know the truth, regardless of party lines."

On the independence war of 1971 and the 2024 uprising, he said, "The context of 1971 was different. The 2024 uprising was a necessity of the time because of oppression. But there is no comparison between the two, and they cannot be placed against each other."

He said many expectations from the 2024 movement remain unfulfilled. "When I pay taxes from my salary and see that money being looted and taken abroad, it hurts. If corruption decreases, we will all be better off. Our demands are simple: safety, affordability and dignity."

Another visitor, young professional Faisal Hossain, said Victory Day is a profound source of inspiration. "We are eternally grateful to those who gave us independence. Because of their sacrifice, we live in a free and peaceful Bangladesh," he said. Stressing the importance of preserving the history of the Liberation War, he added, "1971 was a united struggle to protect sovereignty. There is no scope to diminish its glory through comparison. The dignity of the Liberation War is unquestionable."

Nasreen Akhter, who came with her child, said, "We come here every year out of love for the country, to honour those because of whom we have an independent Bangladesh. As a citizen, this is my responsibility." Asked about her vision for the future, she said, "As a woman, I want to move safely, live without fear, and see people living in peace."

On Victory Day, amid flowers and silent tears, the National Martyrs' Memorial once again became a place where remembrance met resolve, and where the people's enduring hopes for Bangladesh found solemn voice.