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Nation celebrates Independence Day paying tributes to 1971 liberation heroes

Published : Thursday, 27 March, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 356
Staff Correspondent
Bangladesh on Wednesday commemorated its 55th Independence and National Day, paying heartfelt tributes to the brave souls of the 1971 Liberation War. The sacrifices of these heroes, who fought against Pakistani occupation forces, were instrumental in the birth of independent Bangladesh. The day, marked by solemn observances across the country, served as a poignant reminder of the long and painful struggle for freedom.

March 26, a day etched in the collective memory of Bangladeshis, recalls the darkest chapter in the nation's history. On the night of 25th March 1971, the Pakistani military launched a brutal crackdown, leading to a bloody nine-month war. The culmination of this struggle came on 16th December 1971, when Bangladesh finally achieved independence, albeit at the cost of countless lives.

To honour the heroes of the Liberation War, people from all walks of life gathered at the National Memorial in Savar, paying their respects by placing floral wreaths. From early morning, political leaders, social activists, and ordinary citizens arrived in groups, carrying national flags, flowers, and banners. Many wore red and green, the colours of the national flag, to mark the occasion. As the day unfolded, the Shaheed Bedi (altar of the memorial) became covered with an ever-growing pile of flowers, symbolising the nation's deep respect and gratitude.

Among the first to pay tribute was Chief Adviser, Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, who placed a wreath at the memorial around 6:11 am. After the wreath-laying, he stood in solemn silence to honour the martyrs of the Liberation War. At the same time, a military contingent from the Army, Navy, and Air Force presented a state salute, accompanied by the sombre sound of bugles playing the last post.

Following Yunus, the family members of the country's Bir Shresthas (great heroes), war-wounded freedom fighters, and other valiant fighters also paid their respects. Diplomats and members of the Advisory Council were also seen at the memorial, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.

The Chief Justice of Bangladesh, Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed, was another prominent figure who laid a wreath at 6:15 am. He was joined by judges of the Appellate Division, High Court Division, and other senior judicial officials. This was followed by a series of other dignitaries, including government advisers and members of the ruling party, who paid their respects throughout the day.

One notable figure, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, emphasised the need for national consensus to overcome differences. "We must rise above personal and party interests for the greater national good," she said. Rizwana highlighted that building consensus and ensuring free and fair elections were crucial for the country's progress.

Youth and Sports Adviser, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, spoke passionately about the importance of preserving the true spirit of independence. "The independence we gained in 1971 was hard-earned through bloodshed. But in the past 16 years, the true essence of that independence has been undermined," he said, adding that freedom of speech and expression must be fully respected in the country. Bhuyain further noted that the 2024 uprising had revived the spirit of independence, ensuring its continuation in the future.

The day also saw significant participation from opposition parties. Leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) paid their respects at the National Memorial around 8 am. BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, Chairperson's Adviser Aman Ullah Aman, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, along with other senior party leaders, laid a wreath and emphasised the importance of honouring the sacrifices of 1971.

"There is no such thing as 'second independence' in Bangladesh," Abbas asserted, calling for respect for this day by those who might attempt to undermine it.

Abbas reflected on the significant role of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in the fight for independence and the loss of the true essence of freedom in recent years. He added that the independence of the country was revived after the 2024 movement, which overthrew autocracy.

Around 8:30 am, members of the National Citizen Party (NCP) also paid their respects to the Liberation War martyrs. NCP leaders, led by convener Nahid Islam, laid floral tributes and voiced their demands for electoral reforms.

Nahid Islam stated that the party would not accept elections without carrying out trials for those responsible for the mass killings during the 2024 uprising. He emphasised the need for trials, reforms, and the election of a Constituent Assembly to ensure the country's progress towards true democracy.

Nahid highlighted the importance of continued efforts for democracy, human dignity, and justice. He likened the 2024 uprising to the 1971 Liberation War, asserting that the spirit of 1971 had been reignited in the struggle for justice and democratic values.

The commemorations throughout the day reinforced the ongoing struggle to preserve the nation's hard-won freedom. Despite the progress made, leaders from various political backgrounds recognised that the true meaning of independence could only be realised when the country's citizens fully embraced their rights to freedom, democracy, and justice.



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