Md Ashraful Hoque Bhuiya: We will celebrate Victory Day on December 16 after two years of mass upsurge. On August 5, 2024, was the first victory day observed throughout the country, in which, some 1,000 students and people were martyred, some 14,000 injured with disabilities. This is a great occasion for all of us to observe it amidst tragedies. But it pains us that some media are still speaking and writhing in favour of fascism.
The month of December 2025 is exceptional than any other month. Looking at Bangladesh in December 16, we see that people from all works of life can think about expressing their opinions against any part of the state. No one can think that he or she will be picked up again, or disappeared and kept in the ‘Aina Gor’ where atrocities committed to them.
The Indian government’s accomplices are still present in journalistic arena. Their print and electronic media are still running as before. Some are around whenever they get the chance. The Interim government has kept silent.
The main reforms that Victory Day 2025 leaves for us are mainly centered on the various commissions formed under the Bangladesh Interim Government, among which constitutional reforms, elections, public administration, judiciary, police and anti-corruption issues are the main ones, aiming to establish an inclusive democracy and an accountable state, where the neutrality of constitutional institutions and decentralization of power, especially in local government, and ensuring fundamental human rights have been recommended, which are showing us the light of a new Bangladesh.
Establishing balance and coordination between the three organs of the state, ensuring impartiality in appointments to constitutional posts, imposing restrictions on members of parliament holding multiple posts, delegation of powers and responsibilities to local Governments. Various recommendations are being made through these commissions, many of which have already begun the process of implementation. These are shining examples for us of the success of the Interim government.
December 16 culminates 54 years of our national Victory Day. On the night of March 25, when the then Pakistan Army Chief and President Yahya Khan launched attacks and operations against the unarmed people of Bangladesh to suppress the demands, independence was declared the next day, March 26, 1971. Then began the struggle for the than East Pakistan’s independence from Pakistan. The war lasted for about 9 months. Finally, on December 16, the long and bloody war ended with the surrender of Pakistani Army. Independent Bangladesh emerged. But we could not enjoy complete independence. We had to go through many bloody conflicts. As a result, a new Bangladesh has been created through August 5, 2024. We have regained our full victory. It is our hope that we can all maintain this Victory for the time to come.
