Editorial
The day to remember
Revive its glorious spirit
THERE are a few days in a nation's life that are etched permanently in its history, never to be diminished much less forgotten. 26 of March is such a day, and it comes with a sense of deep pain, pain that we are still carrying in our hearts even after 42 years since the killings were launched by the Pakistan Army.
On this day we specially remember the valiant martyrs and the freedom fighters and the brave mothers and sisters who sacrificed their lives that we may breathe the air of a free country.
The Bengali Nation was caught off guards and little did the leadership in the Awami League led by Bangabandhu realise the duplicitous role that Pakistan military junta was playing in the name of talks and negotiations. What followed was the one of the worst genocides in recent history launched by a rapacious army on its own people on the night of 25 -26 March 1971. The genocide, regrettably, has not been acknowledged by the UN as such.
On this day the nation coalesced to take up arms to resist what on the night of 25-26 March 1971 became an occupation army in what became Bangladesh after the Declaration of Independence by Bangabandhu was broadcast from Chittagong.
There are many achievements that Bangladesh can be justly proud of. Our HDI has been getting better and compares, if not betters, some of our more affluent neighbours. We are feeding double the population without having to depend on food imports. In spite of many hindrances Bangladesh has become the second largest RMG exporter in the world.
Regrettably, democracy and state institutions have not flourished in the way that we would have liked, for which much of the blame must lie with partisan politics. Unfortunately, regime of impunity has hindered effectiveness of the rule of law and corruption has multiplied with crony capitalism. The development efforts have suffered due entirely to the lack of peaceful environment.
While it is a time for introspection it is also time for pondering where we are and where we were supposed to go, particularly when even after 42 years of our Independence the country is still in a state of flux. It is imperative that we engage collectively to reflect as to why we have not been able to fulfil the dreams for which we decided to part ways with Pakistan, not forgetting the fact that the we Bengalis were in the majority.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments