Editorial
Celebrating Mujib Nagar Day
Remembering the occasion is vital
There are a few events, and a few days, in a nation's history that wield the utmost influence not only in shaping the course of current developments but sets the path for future course of events. 17th April is such a seminal event in the history of Bangladesh whose significance it appears the nation is gradually becoming oblivious of. It only demonstrates the collective lack of understanding of historical events, and sometimes it is perhaps intentional, and sometimes it stems from an indifference to the past. And on both counts the nation is the loser.
It must not be forgotten that on this very day 40 years ago the formal declaration of Independence of Bangladesh was made heralding the emergence of a country whose people had been a nation for centuries but without a state they could call their own. It was a day when the four trusted lieutenants of Bangabandhu formally declared the nation's resolve to free the country from the rapacious onslaught of a marauding occupation army.
The events in Baidyanathtalla in Meherpur, renamed most appropriately after the undisputed leader of our freedom struggle, resuscitated the glory of the Bengalis that had been lost on the battlefield of Plassey more than two hundred years ago, not very far from the spot where the flag of a new born country was unfurled.
The prime minister must be congratulated for starting what we hope will be the tradition for the future because it is essential that we not only celebrate but also grasp the significance of what is a landmark event in the history of the nation.
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