It would be a befitting external gesture, however, if the people of Bangladesh were to come to a standstill at, a time determined by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on December 16, and offer at least one-minute’s silence in loving remembrance and tribute to the fallen, followed by a prayer for the living, and be united in a single goal once again
December 16, is an auspicious occasion that ALL can celebrate whether Bangladeshi or not. It’s a day to Celebrate, Reflect, Honor and Remember.
For every Bangladeshi woman, man and child the day will always be the most memorable day in the history of the nation and one that brings it envious pride that many other nations only get to dream about.
Regrettably, Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, lived to see and rejoice in the results of his efforts for only three of his remaining years on earth. Not a lot of time, admittedly, but not compared to the thousands of noble Bangladeshis who gave their lives and never got to see the Bangladesh flag flying over the soil for which they fought – not even for a split second.
Victory Day should not be deemed a day of tributes exclusive to Bangabandhu or indeed the celebrated seven martyrs, although their contributions were enormous and will be forever etched in marble for eternity for the entire world to see and admire. Nor should it be a day devoted solely to celebration, but in the contrary a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom.
Only when freedom is evaluated and given a price-tag of its deserved worth, will it be sincerely appreciated. Seldom is anything that’s given free treasured. Like all that’s good, freedom has a price, but to the freedom fighters and people of Bangladesh, it’s priceless.
Victory Day is 24-hours in which every Bangladeshi should feel enormously proud, especially freedom fighters for the immeasurable contribution they made towards independence, individually and collectively.
Unsung Heroes
While the stories of some will be recorded in the annals of history and told in schools and other learning establishments for eternity, there are countless more, perhaps even more fascinating, that may never see the light of day.
These are the unsung heroes and without their participation independence would not have been possible. Many alive today know who they are, what they did (perhaps even without recognition), but choose to remain in the shadows.
Victory Day is a tribute to all who participated in the emancipation of the nation, however small their contribution might have been. It should be remembered a beach comprises of incalculable millions of sand grains, but each one is equal in importance to the next, or there wouldn’t be a beach.
Naming it Victory Day, however, implies it’s just another regular short-lived; 24-hours, 1440-minutes style festive day to celebrate as one might deem Christmas Day, Eid, and St. Patrick’s Day etc., but it’s much, much more than that.
It could easily be entitled All Saints Day or National Heroes Day for it embraces all of those golden fine virtues.
Now in its 50th year, its Golden Jubilee, every Victory Day since December 16, 1971 should be seen for what it is, not the shackles of oppression being removed just for a day, month, or year … but for eternity.
And that’s something really worth celebrating.
The freedom fighters and the countless, nameless men and women who put their lives on the line in giving support, should never be forgotten.
One-Minute’s Silence
All celebrations begin in our hearts that often blossom and bloom there without any outer manifestation. For 50 years people have enjoyed the privilege of freedom and many have forgotten that this privilege did not come cheap. Many great people – both Bangladeshi and Indian – died in its pursuit and their families went through untold suffering.
For love of country they accepted death as their trophy and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.
It would be a befitting external gesture, however, if the people of Bangladesh were to come to a standstill at, a time determined by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on December 16, and offer at least one-minute’s silence in loving remembrance and tribute to the fallen, followed by a prayer for the living, and be united in a single goal once again.
The nation was united spiritually and mentally with singular intent in 1971 in its quest for independence. It is now time to be reunited again in an ear-shattering chorus of silent ‘thank you’, especially to those who gave their lives or their limbs – for making possible the liberty now being relished by all.
We don’t know them all, but we owe them all.
Joy Bangla!
