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 repression of March 26, 1971. There was no preparation for armed resistance.
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.
Though Bangabandhu warned against 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. The question must be asked how faithful we have been to those who made supreme sacrifice not just for territorial division of Pakistan but to make Bangladesh a country of freedom and justice, free from exploitation.
