March 26 was the commencement of a nine-month long arduous resistance against a rapacious military that wanted to suppress the rights of the Bengalis by force. Never before in the annals of human history perhaps has there been such a diabolical attempt to deny the political rights of the majority by the minority, and never before has the majority been forced to the fight to reclaim their rights. And that led to what we saw so proudly emerge as an independent country not only as the symbol but also an affirmation of the political rights of the people of Bangladesh.
It is a day that we recall with a deep sense of gratitude those valiant sons and daughters of the soil, the martyred and the living freedom fighters, whose motivation was neither recognition nor acknowledgement but only to see the defeat of an oppressive military machine. But for their supreme sacrifice it would have not been possible to achieve our military objectives as quickly as we did.
It is also a day to remember the leadership of Bangabandhu, and recognise the Mujib Nagar government and the four national leaders who, in his absence, steered the course of the nation's future through the rough seas during the nine months of our liberation war. It is a day that we must also recognise the active support of the millions of Bangladeshis at home and abroad who actively stood by the Mukti Bahini.
We would be remiss if we did not recognise the help provided by India and the sacrifice of the Indian people and soldiers in the cause of our Independence, and the innumerable friends abroad who individually and collectively had brought to the notice of the world the plight of the seventy million people of Bangladesh and garnered international support for our cause. We are happy to note that the GOB is fulfilling a long-overdue obligation of acknowledging their contributions formally.
We are happy to note that some of the war criminals have been charge-sheeted but would reemphasise the need to conduct the trial conforming to international standards.
It is a day that we must spare some time to ponder whether the very lofty ideals that motivated our liberation struggle have been achieved, even partly. Where have we fallen short in establishing an egalitarian society with justice, fair play and equal opportunity for all?
It is a day to promise to cast aside petty differences and gel together for the cause of the country and the people. If the people do not become the centre of politics in Bangladesh the sacrifices of the martyrs will have gone in vain.