Let spirit of Independence Day be guiding principle

This year the nation observes its Independence Day against the backdrop of an insane war away from this country's shore in the Middle East. As the shockwaves of the Israeli-American war reverberates all across the world primarily because of the energy crisis made acuter by the near closure of the supply route of oil and gas, an energy import-dependent country like Bangladesh now feels the heat. Apart from this dire economic reality, the humanitarian crisis needlessly created by the US-Israel duo finds its echo in the genocide committed in Bangladesh by the Pakistani brutal army in 1971. If the Black Night of March 25, 1971 is considered the birth pang of this land, the day of deliverance allows the nation to feel empathy for nations under attacks anywhere in the world. Subjugation or capitulation of a nation in the new millennium is unthinkable and history is witness to the ultimate triumph of a people longing for its liberation. 

Bangladesh and Vietnam are the best examples of how the aggressors are destined to get defeated. Both these countries made immense sacrifices before earning their liberty from foreign yoke. Bangladesh was lucky to defeat the enemy in just nine months' war, thanks to active support from India---the country that had to feed and shelter around 10 million refugees from its war-torn neighbour. Observance of the March 26 as the country's Independence Day, therefore, is more a grim reminder of savagery the Pakistani army unleashed on a peace-loving people than a joyous celebration of a red-letter day. It was the beginning of a struggle to defend an unarmed people against a brutal army dead set on following a scorched-earth policy in the occupied territory of Bangladesh. The Pakistani army was also instructed to kill students, teachers and intellectuals including eminent Bangalees under a plan of creating a vacuum of leadership and intellectual stewardship. 

A nation that had such a fiery baptism 55 years ago always needs not only to relive the tragic memory but also be respectful to the sacrifice made by freedom fighters and girls and women then subjected to sexual violence. This land was sanctified by those valiant sons and daughters but the undying spirit has been undermined by people in power and the privileged in society. Coups, counter-coups and abuse of power leading to political uncertainties have not helped the country realise the dreams of the martyrs. Democracy and social and economic justice did not have a chance to flourish. Sure enough, Bangladesh achieved some sterling success but at the cost of democratic values and equality. 

It is a clear case of betrayal with the ideals and principles that went into the making of this nation. Responsible for this are not the common people of this land but the leaders who have led the country and the intellectuals who have guided them. That the nation has unbounded potential is unquestionable but misuse of power has not allowed its realisation at its maximum. Had the liberation spirit been the guiding force behind all development initiatives, the country would not fall in the hands of autocrats and oligarchs. With installation of every new administrative stewardship, the people have looked for better and prosperous days only to be disillusioned by derailment of the caravan. Here is once again a fresh beginning with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) taking over power. Several reform commissions under the interim government have made crucial recommendations. Let's hope those recommendations are approved for the country's unhindered journey towards its desired goal.