THE nation celebrates the 46th Independence and National Day today although we treat our real independence on the Victory Day on December 16 when the country was freed from Pakistani occupation forces in 1971. March 26th is the day of Declaration of Independence that led the nation to Liberation War. No responsible government would have ordered the army to be indiscriminately ruthless against the unarmed people in the name of saving united Pakistan. Pakistan was finished and divided because of the brutal military repression of March 26, 1971. There was no armed resistance. The people were forced to take up arms with the help of India. President Gen. Yahya Khan was unable to convene the newly elected National Assembly into session exacerbating the political crisis resulting from Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s conspiracies as the leader of the majority from West Pakistan.Our people had no choice but to organize the Liberation War with the help of India. The international community also supported our struggle for freedom under a democratic government. Our Liberation War immediately became the high symbol of a fight of our people for democratic rights. Bangladesh became an independent country nine months later through a bloody war. During this time the people staying within the country lived in the horror of massacre of Pakistani army who treated our people as being under their military occupation.Bangabandhu was taken as a prisoner to Lahore on March 25, but his absence was immensely felt throughout the Liberation War. He remained the unifying force and symbol of inspiration for the people in the war of liberation.We must not forget the tragic butchering of our people by the occupation army. Though we were warning of the dire consequences if the political differences were not met peacefully, it was Pakistan army that declared war against our unarmed people. The military operation was totally mindless and heartless. Bangabandhu was kept in the prison but no need was felt to talk to him for a peaceful settlement.On this occasion, we not only mourn the deaths of our peaceful people, we must also express our resolve to make their sacrifices not to go in vain in free Bangladesh achieved after nine months of Liberation War.
