Bangladesh marking Independence Day with renewed resolve for unity, equality

As the nation celebrates its 54th year of independence, voices from every corner of society echoed a shared dream: building a Bangladesh free from discrimination and division.

On Wednesday, people from all walks of life gathered at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar to pay their respects to the heroes of the Liberation War, whose blood and sacrifices paved the way for Bangladesh's independence in 1971.

Among them was Al Imran, who travelled from Bangla Motor with his 4-and-a-half-year-old son Abdur Rahman Huzaifa.

"We were talking last night about visiting Savar. My son said he wanted to come too. By dawn, he was wide awake, ready to join me," Imran said with a smile.

He revealed that his main reason for bringing his son was to help him connect with the history of Bangladesh’s struggle for freedom.

"I wanted him to see all this firsthand. I’ve already told him about the significance of Mar 25 and Mar 26," he added.

It was on the dark night of Mar 25, 1971, that the Pakistani military launched a brutal crackdown, aiming to crush the Bengali struggle for liberation after 23 years of oppression. Codenamed "Operation Searchlight", the genocide began at midnight in Dhaka as unarmed civilians were slaughtered.

In the early hours of Mar 26, just before his arrest, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made his historic declaration of independence. His message was broadcast by the East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) over their wireless radio system.

What followed was a brutal nine-month war. Three million people sacrificed their lives, 250,000 women endured unspeakable violence, and the nation paid the ultimate price. Finally, on Dec 16, Bangladesh emerged as a sovereign nation on the world map.

This year, Bangladesh marks its 54th Independence Day at a time when a new generation -- inspired by the July Uprising of 2024 -- dares to dream of building a Bangladesh free from inequality.

The day’s ceremonies began at dawn in Dhaka with a 31-gun salute.

President Md Shahabuddin and Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus led the nation in paying tribute, laying wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial to honour the brave souls who laid down their lives for freedom.

After tributes were offered by the heads of the three Armed Forces and foreign diplomats, the gates of the memorial were opened to the public.

Crowds of people poured into the memorial grounds, carrying national flags and flowers. Members of various political parties and organisations arrived with banners and floral tributes, turning the area into a sea of red and green.

Calling this year’s Independence Day “different”, Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Kamruzzaman reflected on the nation’s long and unfinished journey.

"We started this journey with a dream -- a Bangladesh free from discrimination. But the truth is, despite our war, we have not achieved that dream. We cannot keep repeating our failures, especially when so many students and ordinary people have shed their blood for this country. As leaders, we must recognise this failure and feel it deeply," he said.

"Sadly, we are creating divisions among ourselves once again. This could become a serious obstacle to upholding the promises made in the blood of our student movements and people."

In contrast, National University Vice-Chancellor Prof ASM Amanullah sees hope and potential in the shifting political landscape.

While paying his respects, he said: "I see a new opportunity ahead of us. It’s time to fulfil the hopes and dreams of the 1971 Liberation War. After so many years, we are stepping into a new era -- one that we desperately needed."