Reborn and reforming: Nation celebrates 55th Independence Day today

The nation is set to celebrate its 55th Independence and National Day today with elaborate programmes and due respect, reflecting on its journey of resilience and progress since liberation.

Leading up to 26 March 1971, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) faced significant political, economic, and cultural discrimination under West Pakistan's rule.

After the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had secured a landslide victory in the December 1970 elections, the West Pakistani authorities refused to transfer power, causing widespread frustration in East Pakistan.

On the night of 25 March 1971, the Pakistani military launched Operation Searchlight, a brutal crackdown aimed at suppressing calls for autonomy, resulting in mass killings and widespread displacement. 

In response, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence, but he was arrested shortly after. On 26 March, Major Ziaur Rahman announced the declaration of independence over the radio, marking the official beginning of the Bangladesh Liberation War.

The nine-month-long war claimed the lives of three million people and violated the dignity of two lakh women. However, the nation's courage and sacrifice led to victory, and on 16 December 1971, Bangladesh achieved its long-awaited independence.

Today, the country honours those supreme sacrifices made during the war and continues its journey of rebuilding and reforming following the July uprising.

President Md Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus issued separate messages on the occasion, reports UNB.

In his message, the president said, "To achieve independence, we must strengthen democracy and uphold forbearance, human rights, and the rule of law. We must ensure equity, transparency, and accountability in all areas of the state and society. 

"The young generation once again sacrificed their lives during the July mass uprising to fulfill our unachieved dreams of independence. It is now our sacred duty to build a safe, happy, beautiful, developed, and prosperous Bangladesh for the new generation."

In his message, the chief adviser said, "Achieving independence was the final stage of a long struggle to protect our dignity, existence, and rights… For the past 16 years, the people have not been able to enjoy the benefits of freedom. The dictatorship oppressed the people, taking away their freedom and basic rights. The successful uprising of students, workers, and the masses liberated the country from this tyranny."

He added, "The interim government is fully committed to further developing and strengthening the country, ensuring the full benefits of independence for the people. We are working to establish good governance, justice, and people-oriented, sustainable development. Through necessary reforms, we will ensure transparency and accountability in all areas of the state."

He also urged everyone to pledge to work for the development, peace, and prosperity of the country, remembering the spirit of the great liberation war.

The day is marked as a public holiday, with numerous events and activities organised by the interim government at the national level. It will begin with a 31-gun salute across the country, including Dhaka, as announced by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.

Both the president and chief adviser will lay wreaths in the morning to honour the martyrs of 1971. Families of the Birsreshtha, war-wounded freedom fighters, and other brave freedom fighters, led by the Liberation War Affairs adviser, will also pay their respects. 

People from various sectors will lay wreaths at the National Memorial, and similar tributes will be made at district and upazila memorials nationwide.

The national flag will be hoisted, and the national anthem will be performed at all divisions, districts, and upazilas. Student rallies and parades will be held. 

National dailies will publish special supplements, and Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations, and TV channels will air special programmes marking the significance of the day. 

Political parties, socio-cultural, and professional organisations have also arranged various programmes to observe the day.