Md Jobayer Hossain
December 16 is the most significant and red-letter day in Bangladesh’s history. On this day in 1971, after nine months of a heroic armed struggle, the invading Pakistani forces surrendered, bringing an end to oppression and giving birth to an independent and sovereign Bangladesh. The emergence of our nation on the world map marked the beginning of a new chapter in our national life. This victory was achieved at an extraordinary cost. The supreme sacrifice of three million martyrs and the immeasurable suffering of countless freedom-loving people made the Liberation War the most glorious chapter of our history. Their struggle was not only in the name of independence, but for a state founded on democracy, justice, the rule of law, human rights, equality, and economic freedom. These ideals remain the soul of our independence and the true meaning of Victory Day.
The Victory Day is a celebration and a moment of reflection. It is only natural to ask what we have achieved and what remains unfulfilled. We did gain political and geographical independence. But history teaches us that independence without democratic governance fails to meet the aspirations of the people. That was evident in our post-colonial experience, and it was precisely such failure that compelled the nation to rise again in 1971. The united people secured freedom through collective sacrifice. Regrettably, the dream of that freedom was later undermined by prolonged authoritarian rule. Democratic institutions weakened, dissent was suppressed, and politics of division replaced politics of consensus. Corruption, misgovernance, and intolerance spread, threatening not only democracy but national sovereignty itself. Although democracy was the very foundation upon which the Liberation War was launched following the denial of the people’s mandate in the 1970 election it remained fragile even decades after independence.
Democracy rests on a simple truth: the people are the ultimate source of power. Yet even after 54 years, the struggle to institutionalise democracy continues. The recent student-people’s uprising, which led to the fall of authoritarian rule and the formation of an interim government reflecting public aspirations, has therefore opened a historic opportunity. It has created space for national renewal and democratic restoration. This moment must be understood as a continuation of the spirit of 1971, not a departure from it. The goals remain unchanged democracy, justice, human rights, accountability, and good governance. In this context, the upcoming national election next year, with its schedule declared on 12 February, assumes exceptional significance. A free, fair, credible, and participatory election is not merely a constitutional requirement; but a living expression of Victory Day itself.
The freedom fighters did not sacrifice their lives merely to secure a flag or a boundary. They fought to establish the political, voting and civil rights of the people. The right to vote freely is one of the most powerful legacies of the Liberation War. Ensuring that every citizen can exercise this right without fear or manipulation is among the highest tributes we can pay to the martyrs of 1971. Bangladesh’s recent history of disputed and non-participatory elections has weakened democratic legitimacy and deepened political and social divisions. These failures also had grave consequences for governance and the economy fuelling corruption, discouraging investment, increasing inequality and burdening ordinary citizens. Today, the nation stands at a crossroads. The opportunity before us must not be wasted. Victory Day also reminds us that development and democracy are not opposing choices. Sustainable and inclusive development flourishes best under democratic accountability.
National unity remains our greatest strength. While attempts to undermine this unity persist, history teaches us that a vigilant people and responsible leadership can overcome any conspiracy. Unity, tolerance, justice and respect for democratic norms are the pillars upon which a strong Bangladesh must stand. On this Victory Day, we remember with deep respect and gratitude the martyrs and freedom fighters who made our independence possible. The truest way to honour them is to complete their unfinished work by restoring the people’s mandate through a credible election and by establishing a democratic order rooted in justice, accountability, and the rule of law. We do not wish to move backward.
Bangladesh is a land of immense potential rich in human capital, energy and resilience. Having achieved developing-country status, the nation is steadily moving toward middle-income prosperity. To sustain this journey, democratic institutions must be strengthened, the rule of law restored, corruption curbed, and citizens’ rights protected. We wish to move forward towards a Bangladesh that fully embodies the ideals of its Liberation War. Victory Day calls upon the government, political leadership, and citizens alike to act with wisdom, courage, and foresight, so that the promise of 1971 finally becomes a lived reality for all.
The writer is a Country Coordinator (Malaysia & Singapore), Amnesty International UK
