Today marks the day when a free and independent Bangladesh secured its place on the world map. On this day in 1971, the sun of independence rose in the mist-covered sky of Bengal. The eternally glorious red-and-green flag fluttered high. Millions of voices merged into one melody: “Amar Sonar Bangla, Ami Tomay Bhalobashi…”
Today is 16 December—Great Victory Day. On this day in 1971, Bangladesh was added to the world map as an independent and sovereign state. On the occasion, President Md. Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus have issued separate messages.
President Md. Shahabuddin said, “To deliver the true dividends of independence to the people’s doorsteps, democracy must be further strengthened and institutionalised. In every sphere of individual, social, and state life, a culture of tolerance, mutual respect, and unity must be fostered.”
Professor Muhammad Yunus said, “Let this Victory Day be a day of renewed unity in national life. Let it be a day to pledge—by any means necessary—to uphold the new journey that has begun toward genuine empowerment of the people and democratic transition, inspired by the spirit of the Great Liberation War.”
Essentially, the Liberation War was the inevitable outcome of the Language Movement. Its roots lay in the Language Movement of 21 February 1952, and it reached its culmination through the Liberation War of 1971. For nine long months in 1971, the valiant sons and daughters of the country—across all religions, ethnicities, and languages—waged an unequal war against the trained and powerful Pakistan Army. Victory in that struggle for freedom came at the cost of the lives of three million people, the honour of two hundred thousand mothers and sisters, and immense material losses. The fearless youth of Bengal snatched final victory, freeing the nation from the shackles of subjugation.
The struggle for liberation began on the night of 25 March 1971, when Pakistan’s brutal invading forces unleashed genocidal atrocities on unarmed, peace-loving civilians using deadly weapons such as tanks and cannons. From that night, the resistance of Bengal began. That very night, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence and called upon the nation to wage the Liberation War.
The brave sons of Bengal rushed to the battlefield to confront the Pakistani forces. Without training or experience in using advanced weaponry, they plunged into resistance, treating their lives as expendable. To free and liberate the country, they stood face to face with death and fought with boundless courage. That unequal war came to an end with victory on 16 December.
Reflecting on where Bangladesh stands five decades after victory, Emeritus Professor Sirajul Islam Chowdhury of the University of Dhaka said, “The nationalist leadership that won the war in 1971 failed to keep its promises to the people. Disillusioned, people looked elsewhere; some fell into the grip of the remnants of Pakistani nationalism. The dominance of these discarded Pakistani ideas we see today also originates from there. The test of nationalism, therefore, is still ongoing.”
Economist and former Jahangirnagar University professor Anu Muhammad said, “A very important chapter in the long struggle for liberation of the people of Bangladesh and this region is 1971. Driven by the imperative of a political culture that opposes class, ethnic, religious, and gender-based discrimination and oppression, people repeatedly join resistance. One of the key duties of our time is to take an active stand against all forms of ideological domination and political-economic systems created by imperialism, religious fundamentalism, and domestic predatory elites. This is not possible without the liberation of intellect, nor without the development of a sense of power among an inactive, oppressed, and fearful populace.”
Yet, as every year, Great Victory Day has arrived again to commemorate that unforgettable day of glory and to share the joy of victory. Today, the nation will remember with utmost respect and deep gratitude the brave sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence. The altar of the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar will be filled with countless floral tributes.
On the occasion, the national flag will be hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings, and important buildings, traffic islands, and installations have been illuminated. To maintain law and order, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken various measures.
Newspapers will publish special supplements highlighting the significance of the day. Special prayers and worship services will be held at religious institutions seeking peace, prosperity, and progress for the country.
Today is a public holiday. In neighbourhoods across the capital and at street corners, the unforgettable songs of liberation will resonate. The red-and-green flag will fly from rooftop ledges, offices, courts, shops, and many vehicles. Early this morning, the President and the Chief Adviser will lay wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar. Subsequently, families of the Bir Sreshtho, war-injured freedom fighters, and valiant freedom fighters will place wreaths in the presence of the Minister for Liberation War Affairs. Foreign diplomats stationed in Bangladesh, along with people from political and social organisations and various walks of life, will also lay floral tributes in honour of the martyrs who gave their lives in the bloody war.
Programmes: On the occasion of Victory Day, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), JASAD, NCP, and various other parties, as well as labour, professional, social, and cultural organisations, will observe detailed programmes. Additionally, the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, and Chhayanaut have organised various events. At 10:00 am, children and adolescents will hoist the national flag at the Liberation War Museum accompanied by the national anthem. At 4:00 pm, a mass procession calling for democratic cultural unity will be held from Satyen Sen Square (opposite the Press Club) toward the Eternal Flame at Suhrawardy Udyan. Jointly organised by Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi, Bangladesh Students’ Union, and Bangladesh Youth Union, a colourful flag procession, women’s march-past, and songs of liberation will take place at 4:00 pm, starting from the Engineering Institute gate and ending at the Central Shaheed Minar.