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By Rumana Jaman

DHAKA, Dec 15, 2025 (BSS)- “Purbo Digonte Surjo Uthese, Rakta Lal Rakta Lal Rakta Lal…” On a mist-shrouded December morning, the radiant sun of independence rose over the horizon of Bangladesh, as the red-green flag soared proudly in the sky.

The air resonated with the chorus of countless voices singing “Amar Sonar Bangla, Ami Tomay Bhalobashi…”. Thus, the day remains etched as one of eternal pride and jubilation for the nation, while at the same time carrying the heart-rending cries and grief of those who lost their dearest ones. 

Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16, will mark the 54th anniversary of the nation’s triumph, the Great Victory Day. It is a day the people of Bangladesh will forever cherish with pride.

On this day in 1971, through a valiant struggle, the Bengali nation secured victory and imprinted the name of Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign state on the world map. In doing so, the true spirit of the War of Liberation found its rightful recognition.

Each year, the people of the country celebrate the day with joy, fervour, and enthusiasm, honoring the sacrifices that brought freedom.

When the Pakistani occupation forces unleashed a brutal genocide on the sleeping, unarmed civilians of this country in the night of March 25, 1971, using lethal weapons such as tanks and cannons, the resistance movement began, and the war for liberation was set in motion.

The brave sons of the nation rushed to the battlefield to confront the enemy. The lure of life meant little to them. They had no formal military training, nor did they possess sophisticated weapons. Literally armed with whatever they had, the valiant sons of the soil stood face to face with the enemy and fought to the death in the struggle for freedom.

For nine long months, brave sons of the country, irrespective of religion, caste or language, fought an unequal war against the Pakistani army. 

Ultimately, through the sacrifice of three million lives and cost of the honour of 200,000 mothers and sisters, and immense material losses, the freedom was achieved and freedom fighters snatched the final victory and freed the nation from the shackles of subjugation.

By creating allies and opponents fraction and following a colonial “divide and rule” policy, the genocidal Awami League plundered Bangladesh for more than a decade and a half. The people of the country could not tolerate this division. As a result, resistance and struggle against fascism began once again. Eventually, in continuity with the blood-soaked struggle of 1971, a new Bangladesh began its journey through the mass uprising of 2024.

Leaders of various political parties have spoken about this newly begun journey. They said that after the mass uprising of ’24, this year’s Victory Day has appeared before the nation with a new sense of hope.

In exclusive conversations with BSS, they said that in the transformed new Bangladesh, alongside the joy of Victory Day’s historic moment, there also exists deep uncertainty. Fascist forces are once again attempting to raise their heads. 

However, they believe that if strong unity can be forged at this crucial juncture of democratic transition, the joy of victory will become everlasting.

More to follow...