THE nation celebrates the 48th Victory Day today amid festivity. Today, the nation will remember its glorious historical achievement earned through a nine-month war against Pakistan Occupation Forces in 1971. The nation will recall today, Bangladesh was born as an independent country under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. They will also memorize that country had achieved the victory for the supreme sacrifice of three million people and the honour of two lakh women.
This year, the celebration has reached a new height due to the upcoming 11th Parliamentary Election, scheduled on December 30. Of course, it’s a big achievement for our democracy that Bangladesh is hopefully heading to a participatory election. The 2014 election was widely blamed as “voter-less” one. If a free, fair, credible and inclusive election is arranged; it will be a great achievement for the Election Commission on the month of Victory.
Our forefathers had fought the bloody Liberation War dreaming an equal society, where five basic needs of everyone would be met. But social equality is still a far cry. The Awami League government in last 10 years implemented several mega development projects that have strengthened the country’s formal and informal economy. On the first day of the New Year, all school students across the country get free text books since last few years. The community clinics are providing easy treatment to millions of ordinary people. The outstanding development in information technology sector has opened a new era in front of young generation. Most of the Ministries are now digitalized.
But only achievements are not enough. We will have to ensure full-fledged victory in the vital sectors. So, the war is not yet ended. There must a hundred percent literacy rate and the education system will have to be most modern and technology-based. The development works must be corruption-free. Every person should be brought under the coverage of national healthcare system. And the government will have to ensure jobs for all the unemployed people.
If we could get victory in these sectors, the country’s victory in 1971 with the sacrifices of three million people will get a “real” meaning. There is no room for complacence at this moment. ‘The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.’
