POBNEWS24,Dhaka, Dec 16, 2024 : The great Victory Day was celebrated across Bangladesh. The best sons of the nation are remembered with floral tributes and love for the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. On Monday (December 16), after the President and the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government paid tribute, the National Memorial was opened to the public. On this day, political parties, socio-cultural organizations, school and college students, children, adolescents and the elderly paid floral tribute to the brave martyrs at the National Memorial.
However, the joy and exhilaration of victory could not color the minds of the people in the same way as the Victory Day was celebrated for 15 consecutive years during the Awami League government of Sheikh Hasina, this time because the party was not in power and in the field. The spirit of independence in 1971 remains hidden in the minds of the people. Since morning, the city of joy of victory, Dhaka, has been an unfamiliar form. The Savar National Memorial was thronged from morning, as it was last year. This time, it was a different picture. Different arrangements. There was no such huge crowd of eager people. Jamaat-e-Islami, the controversial force of 1971, held a victory rally, procession and meeting by creating a huge pandal at Paltan intersection in the capital. Although such a big arrangement had never been seen before by the party. Green shirts and red hats were the attraction of the procession. The National Press Club’s arrangement was also similar.
Where there is joy, there is also a tone of separation in the joy of victory. During the Awami League, the Workers’ Party of the Left Alliance and JSD, one of the partners of the Grand Alliance, were not allowed to enter the Savar Memorial. The Ashulia Police Station has arrested 7 leaders and activists of the Awami League in Savar.
Meanwhile, in a status on Facebook, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, ‘Today, on Victory Day, we honor the courage and sacrifice of the brave soldiers who contributed to India’s historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and steadfast determination have saved our nation and brought us glory. This day is a tribute to their extraordinary heroism and indomitable spirit. Their sacrifice will forever inspire generations and will be deeply embedded in the history of our nation.’
Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul, Advisor to the Interim Government on Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, strongly protested Modi’s statement. In a Facebook status, he wrote, “I strongly protest. December 16, 1971 was the day of victory for Bangladesh. India was an ally of this victory, nothing more.”
On the other hand, the trial of the fallen dictator and his accomplices involved in the massacre is progressing and has been kept open to journalists, human rights activists and other observers, said Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Principal Advisor to the Interim Government.
He said this in his address to the nation on Monday morning on the occasion of the 54th Great Victory Day.
Dr. Muhammad Yunus said, ‘The International Criminal Tribunal Act has been amended. To ensure transparency in the trial process, the accused have been given the opportunity to appoint foreign lawyers. They will also get all kinds of opportunities to defend themselves.’
The chief advisor said, anyone will get the opportunity to record any part of the trial if they want.
He said, International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan of Pakistan recently met me. He agreed to train ICT prosecutors and other staff and promised to help raise ICT to international standards.
Dr. Yunus said, ‘Separately, we have informed him that we will file a case of crimes against humanity against the genocide perpetrators in the International Criminal Court.’
The leaders and activists of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) have called for a stand against the attempts to controversialize the Liberation War and those who oppose independence. They paid tribute to the brave martyrs of the Liberation War by taking out a procession and laying wreaths at the National Memorial at 11 am. CPB President Md. Shah Alam, General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince, Assistant General Secretary Mihir Ghosh, Central Committee Secretary Advocate Anwar Hossain Reza, Dr. Sajedul Haque Rubel, Luna Noor, Abid Hossain, Treasurer Dr. Fazlur Rahman, Central Committee members Ahsan Habib Lavlu, Manabendra Deb, Lucky Akhter, Ashraful Alam, Zahid Hossain Khan, Sadequr Rahman Shamim, along with leaders of various mass organizations and party leaders and workers were present.
