Victory Day at a difficult time of national life

December 16 is a day that carries such a significance which has no parallel in our national history. The occasion is inextricably linked with our entity as a sovereign nation in the world map. It was on this day in 1971, the newly independent country Bangladesh was liberated from the clutches of the alien troops. The indomitable sons of the soil finally snatched away the blazing sun of freedom from the Pakistani troops and their local collaborators through a nine-month long bloody war.
The liberation war followed the declaration of independence in the month of March, 1971, and the country was finally freed on December 16. The day fulfilled the cherished desire of a new nation that has its own characteristics and historic tradition. Bangladesh came into being with the full glory of a sovereign nation and today is the 43rd anniversary of the liberation of the country.
For Bangladesh, the occasion is certainly associated with far bigger glory for the simple reason that the freedom came at a huge cost. So many lives had to be sacrificed at the altar of the motherland! Thus while December 16 is a great occasion of rejoicing as it marks the unalloyed victory against the occupation forces, the day is also tinged with deep sadness. For, countless people made sacrifices in various ways to make this occasion happen.
Every year since 1971, December 16 returns to our national life with the cardinal message that Bangladesh must go ahead in the quest of progress and prosperity to realise the dreams of the martyrs, whose supreme sacrifices make it imperative that we all strive hard to fulfill their dreams. It is an onerous responsibility for the government and people of the country to work ceaselessly for turning our dear motherland a happy and healthy society, where the people would smile and bask in the glory of independence. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman repeatedly said that it is the economic emancipation - and not the political freedom alone - that could make our independence really meaningful.
But it is an irony that we are still far away from the goal of making our masses happy in terms of their aspirations for a happy and healthy society. Unquestionably, the country has made progress in many areas during its more than three decades of topsy-turvy history. As an independent nation, we have made a mark in the global arena. However, it is also equally true that we have failed in many areas and consequently, a kind of frustration and despair has crept into the psyche of the nation.
The reasons for this sordid situation are not far to seek. It is the lack of unity and cohesion in the task of advancing the country to the path of desired progress that is at the centre of this condition. While we are celebrating the Victory Day this year, such problems appear to be at the peak as the country is passing through a critical juncture. It is possible that factors leading to this perilous situation in the national life would be identified differently and that is what is only natural. But without resorting to the blame-game, none would dispute that Bangladesh today stands at a cross roads. Our future as a commendable developing nation is being seriously jeopardised because of the political crisis.
All are aware of the reasons for the crisis as the major political parties have adopted diametrically opposite positions on the issue of the coming national elections. The government feels in one way, and the opposition in another. The bottom line is that all say they are for "free and fair" national polls that would reflect the wishes of the electorate. But people in general are sceptical about such polls.
The stalemate is spawning untold miseries for the people along with the colossal damages to the economy and other areas of national life. But the two warring sides continue to demonstrate their much known stubbornness and intransigence in dealing with a situation that is fraught with unimaginable consequences. National and international quarters seeking to broker a peaceful settlement are also frustrated by the extent of the one-sided approach of the political leaders. Clearly, those who are supposed to lead and guide the country, are simply proving recklessly irresponsible by their acts and attitudes. No light could be discernible at the end of the tunnel at the time of writing this piece. Would our leaders spare the people from this nightmare they are passing through? This is the million dollar question to our leaders - regardless of party affiliations - on this 43rd anniversary of the great Victory Day.   
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