Photo : Messenger
March 26th marks the significant occasion of Bangladesh's Great Independence Day. Bangladesh observed its 54th Independence Day on March 26th with a blend of solemn remembrance and joyous celebration, commemorating the declaration of independence in 1971. This historic day carries deep significance in the nation's history, symbolising the victory of the Bangladeshi people against oppression and the beginning of a new era of sovereignty. This day also holds profound importance for Bangladeshi Bengalis and tribal communities, marking a pivotal moment in their history. It's difficult to articulate the depth of emotion felt on this day, especially for those born into freedom who may not comprehend the experience of subjugation.
The road to independence was paved with struggle and sacrifice by the people of Bangladesh (then East Pakistan). The 1971 Liberation War, also known as the Bangladesh War of Independence, was a defining chapter in the nation's history. The spark for this war was ignited on the night of March 25th, 1971, when the West Pakistan government and Pakistani army launched a brutal attack on the innocent people of East Pakistan late at night. "Operation Searchlight" is a codename of the genocide, and the codename might symbolise the Pakistani military's intention to identify and crush the Bengali nationalist movement. That assault included shelling in various areas of Dhaka, the brutal torture of women in numerous locations, and planned killings, notably in Dhaka University, Pilkhana, and on the streets of Dhaka. The atrocities also included rapes and the destruction of property in the Dhaka city. However, the resilience of the Bengali people could not be quelled. In the face of adversity, they rallied around the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, whose unwavering commitment to the cause of independence galvanised the nation. After the crackdown by the Pakistani junta, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman issued a declaration asserting Bangladesh's independence. The Bengali version of this declaration was enshrined in the 6th chapter of the Constitution. The declaration, attributed to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and dated March 26, 1971, reads:
"This may be my last message; from today Bangladesh is independent. I call upon the people of Bangladesh, wherever you might be and with whatever you have, to resist the army of occupation to the last. Your fight must go on until the last soldier of the Pakistani occupation army is expelled from the soil of Bangladesh and final victory is achieved."
The declaration of independence was a defining moment in Bangladesh's struggle for freedom. March 26th, 1971, marked the beginning of a nine-month-long war for independence, during which the people of Bangladesh demonstrated unparalleled courage and determination. The unarmed Bengali nation dared to fight against the Pakistani military junta with nothing but the spirit of nationalism because they had a supreme leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who prepared and exhorted them to achieve freedom by any means necessary. His declaration of independence aroused the Bengalis and called upon them to fight for their freedom, leading to their supreme sacrifices to liberate their motherland.
Despite the world's scepticism, the Bengali nation fought back and ultimately achieved victory because they had clear instructions from their leader. Indian-backed Mukti Bahini guerrillas mobilised to expel Pakistani forces from Bangladesh. India played a vital role in our War of Liberation in 1971 against the oppressive Pakistani army, as approximately 17,000 members of the Indian Armed Forces sacrificed their lives, with many more sustaining injuries, in the endeavour to liberate Bangladesh. Since then, the people of both Bangladesh and India have nurtured strong ties across various sectors, fostering a lasting bond between the two nations. In the ensuing civil war, East Pakistani loyalists, including members of the persecuted Bihari minority, formed militias to aid West Pakistani troops against the Mukti Bahini. However, the tide turned decisively in favour of the Bengalis after the ill-fated Operation Chengiz Khan. This operation led to direct Indian military involvement in the conflict, eventually resulting in Pakistan's unconditional surrender to the joint command of Indian forces and the Mukti Bahini on December 16, 1971.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, from the Language Movement onwards, spearheaded the nation towards autonomy. His historic Six-Point Charter, a long-standing demand of the Bengali nation, prepared them for autonomy despite facing charges, torture, and imprisonment. Despite these challenges, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman won a landslide majority in the elections and began a democratic movement in 1971, demanding the right to convene a national assembly with directly elected representatives. However, Bangladesh had to go through a bloody Liberation War to obtain the sovereignty and independence from the occupiers. Representatives directly elected by the people in the 1970 general election led the Liberation War, resulting in victory. This victory was the culmination of the Bengali people's long struggle for freedom. This is why it can be noted that the movement for the freedom of the Bengali nation differed from others during the wartime period. While other groups fought through various means, including communism and separatism, the Bengali nation predominantly followed the democratic path.
Bangladesh celebrated its 54th Independence Day on March 26, yet Bangabandhu's vision of a prosperous Bengal remains unfulfilled. The tragic events of 1975 marked the beginning of a dark period in which the mission to eliminate freedom fighters persisted for nearly fifteen years. General Zia's regime exacerbated this situation by halting the trial for Bangabandhu's murder and rehabilitating the perpetrators, even appointing them to significant diplomatic roles. It wasn't until 1996 that the party representing Bangladesh's independence, the Bangladesh Awami League, returned to power after a 21-year hiatus. Under Sheikh Hasina's leadership, the General Zia Act was revoked, allowing for the trial of Bangabandhu's assassins to commence. In 2009, five perpetrators held in Dhaka Central Jail were executed, with one additional individual executed later and another passing away in Zimbabwe. However, five perpetrators remain at large in various countries, including the USA and Canada. There's hope that international cooperation, including support from Interpol and concerned nations, will aid in apprehending these fugitives and bringing them to justice.
Under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter, Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is making significant strides, advancing at a rapid pace. Transitioning from the vision of 'Digital Bangladesh,' our nation now aspires towards becoming a 'Smart Bangladesh.' The long-held hopes and aspirations of the Bangladeshi people are gradually being realized. The very purpose for which Bangladesh fought for independence is now being fulfilled. Democracy thrives, and good governance prevails in our country. I hope that both current and future generations will continue this positive trajectory. Reflecting on the words of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman after independence, he envisioned true freedom only when the hardships faced by Bengal's farmers, labourers, and underprivileged are eradicated. We all eagerly await the realisation of Bangabandhu's envisioned Bangladesh.
The significance of Independence Day lies not only in the declaration itself but also in the indomitable spirit it ignited among the Bangladeshi people Hence, the significance of this day might not be fully grasped by the new generation, unfamiliar with the experiences of the liberation war. However, by delving into the narratives of previous generations, one can truly comprehend the profound importance of this day. Lots of seminar are organised at the educational institutions to inform the actual history of the independence and the contribution of Bangabandhu Shiek Mujibur Rahman. The ideals of unity, democracy, and secularism, enshrined in the Constitution, serve as guiding principles for the future development of the country.
As Bangladesh continues its journey towards progress and prosperity, let us remember the lessons of our history and draw inspiration from the indomitable spirit of our freedom fighters of the Liberation War. Let us work together to build a prosperous and inclusive society where the sacrifices of the past are honoured and the aspirations of the future are realised.
The writer works as Secretary, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC). He is also the Secretary General of the Dhaka University Sociology Alamni (DUSA) and Member of Bangladesh Press Council (BPC).
Messenger/Fameema
