Dr. Muhammad Mahtab Hossain Mazed :
Today is Monday, December 16, 2024-Great Victory Day. The word victory is synonymous with countless sacrifices. It is our day of glory, triumph, and liberation, marked by tears of joy. Exactly 53 years ago, on this day, Bangladesh emerged as an independent and sovereign nation with the victory flag hoisted high in the sky. After nine long months of a bloody war, we earned our freedom, a legacy that continues to live in our hearts as an immortal presence.
On this monumental day in 1971, Bangladesh made its debut as a free and independent country. Today, standing in the context of 2024, we celebrate the potential of a newly emerging Bangladesh. As the political landscape of our nation takes on a new shape, we aspire for these changes to drive progress, justice, and democratic rights. On this day of promise and hope, we must renew our commitment to building a new Bangladesh-a nation without discrimination.
The future of our country rests on the shoulders of the youth. Together, we envision a brighter horizon, where young leaders guide the nation toward unprecedented achievements. As the poet aptly said: “We are newborns, girded with hope for a new day; Our oath will spread light in the country.”
The spirit of Victory Day is not just a reflection of the past; it serves as a roadmap for shaping our future. Let us pledge to honor the sacrifices of the valiant heroes who made this day possible by driving the nation forward on the path of prosperity. Our commitment should be to uphold the rights of every citizen, foster equality, and establish a fair and just democratic system.
As we commemorate this historic day, I call upon you all to take an oath-to work together to build a fair, just, and prosperous Bangladesh. Let us anticipate a future where our nation stands as a beacon of glory and pride for all.
In a democratic state, citizens are typically guaranteed three fundamental categories of rights: Social Rights, Political Rights, and Economic Rights.
1. Social Rights: These include the right to life, personal liberty, freedom of expression, assembly, property ownership, religious practice, legal protection, contract formation, family establishment, language rights, and education.
2. Political Rights: These encompass suffrage, candidacy, the right to lodge complaints, freedom of criticism, employment opportunities, and residence rights.
3. Economic Rights: These include the right to work, fair remuneration, vacation, association formation, and state-provided welfare.
Freedom is the greatest achievement for any nation. Bangladesh institutionalized its independence on December 16, 1971, through a great victory after nine months of bloody struggle. This victory envisioned a nation governed by the rule of law, guaranteeing equal rights for all, irrespective of religion, caste, class, or gender. The end of injustice, exploitation, and discrimination was at the heart of this dream.
We aspired to build a just society where everyone would enjoy economic freedom, free from superstition and ignorance. However, due to political division, disunity, arrogance, and the marginalization of certain groups, this dream remains unfulfilled.
On this Great Victory Day, let us remember the fearless heroes who fought for our freedom. May we honor their sacrifices by striving to elevate our nation to greater heights. Let us embrace non-communalism, morality, and humanity to build a Bangladesh free from communal biases. Above all, every citizen must work from their position to advance the nation’s welfare, upholding the spirit and ideals of the Liberation War.
Only then can we realize the dream of a prosperous and golden Bangladesh. This is the promise and expectation we hold on this Great Victory Day.
(Dr. Mazed is a columnist and researcher)
