Celebrating the Victory Day

On this day 42 years ago, the nation saw the logical culmination of a long struggle into victory. The victory in the nine-month long war, however, could not be more costly. Apart from the physical triumph, the 16th December also was a vindication of moral values, a people's hopes and aspiration and all that go into the making of national ethos. In search of its destiny, this nation embarked on a politico-cultural journey ever since the British had subjugated the sub-continent to rule over a colony in this part of the world. Its distinct ethnic identity was never in doubt but as a people it was never treated with the kind of respect it deserved. So there was a need for the Bangalees to prove that as a people they were not inferior to any other. If Bangladesh had no Victory Day, its people had to invent a myth -one that would help them rediscover their special identity. Thank God, they did not require a myth; the reality they faced was too stark, too brutal and too intimidating to absorb. They had to respond in defence of their honour and pride. So strong was their cause that they triumphed over a trained but morally bankrupt army from then West Pakistan.
The celebration of the Victory Day amidst deadly suspense on account of socio-political anarchy and mayhem, points to the fact that the nation has miles to go before it secures its social, cultural and economic future. This is despite the fact that the first execution of a war criminal has been carried out after 42 years. Through the victory in the war against the Pakistani army, the nation only completed just one decisive leg of its cherished journey. But it is yet to consolidate its war gains into a compact national common goal. All because the fruits of education and resources could not be distributed rationally and more importantly cultural awareness which acts as a synthesiser could not be brought about. Any victory becomes meaningless if it is not complemented by social and cultural awakening and enlightenment, economic justice and establishment of the rule of law. These are the cardinal principles from which democracy draws its sustenance.
The people certainly deserve better because they have proved that they can score higher on most points of life's index. With higher per capita income, its big neighbours have not been able to achieve what Bangladesh has done during the past two or so decades. The country's socio-economic progress could have been even more startling if only politics would not have been so self-defeating. The nation is at war with itself now. Today common people have become almost as vulnerable as they were during the Liberation War. Apart from the two contending parties, there are elements who are out to negate all that stand for Bangaleeness of the people living in this part of the world and the spirit of the Liberation War. On this spirit of the country's sovereignty there should be no compromise. The values and spirit so integral to the foundation of this nation should be upheld above everything else because that is how a nation takes its ever lasting inspiration and continues its collective journey on the road to prosperity.