Tarique Rahman, the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has extended his greetings to all citizens of the country on the occasion of Grand Victory Day (Mahan Bijoy Dibosh).

He conveyed his wishes in a video message released this Tuesday morning (December 16).

In his address, Tarique Rahman offered his sincere Victory Day wishes to "every class and profession of people—farmers, laborers, professionals, artists, writers, teachers, journalists, intellectuals, and religious scholars—every citizen of Bangladesh, regardless of party affiliation, religion, or caste."

Tribute and Commemoration

Earlier, in a written message for Victory Day, he stated, "After nine months of war, the nation achieved victory on December 16, 1971. On this day, I greet all compatriots, including expatriate Bangladeshis. May their lives be filled with happiness, peace, prosperity, and well-being."

He continued, "On this day, the nine-month-long War of Independence concluded, and an independent state named Bangladesh was established. I offer my deepest respect to the heroic freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the War of Independence. I pray for the salvation of the souls of the brave martyrs. I offer my respectful salute to the mothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice to liberate the country from foreign shackles."

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The BNP Acting Chairman asserted, "The War of Independence, which began on March 26, 1971, at the call of the Proclaimer of Independence, President Ziaur Rahman, achieved victory on December 16 of that year by defeating the Pakistani occupying forces. The nation’s indomitable heroic freedom fighters seized this victory by risking their lives. Therefore, December 16 is a proud, joyful, and yet epic day of sorrow for the nation. On this great day, I offer my respectful salute to those brave soldiers."

Commitment to Democracy and Unity

Rahman regretted that the nation's core objective—to establish Bangladesh based on democratic principles free from exploitation and with social justice—was repeatedly undermined.

"Though our beloved motherland was liberated from the enemy in 1971, the conspiracy of the plotters is still ongoing," he said. He alleged that aggressive forces continue to disrespect the nation's independence and sovereignty, and their local agents continue to weave a web of conspiracy to endanger the hard-earned freedom.

He accused the previous regime of conducting a series of farcical, one-sided elections over the past sixteen years, disrespecting public opinion, seizing democratic rights, and suppressing civil liberties and freedom of speech. He claimed that the resulting absolute power led to widespread despair, fear, and anarchy, with countless people disappeared and killed, and millions jailed on false charges.

Rahman then referred to the recent political change, stating, "Inspired by the spirit of the Great Victory Day, our national unity was forged to protect the independence and sovereignty of our beloved motherland and to free democracy from peril. In the world-shaking student-people movement of July-August '24, they were defeated. The cruelest dictator in history fell. The hope for the protection of independence, sovereignty, and the revival of multi-party democracy has re-emerged."

Finally, he called for the current environment to be utilized to ensure the formation of an accountable, pro-people government through a free, fair, and unobstructed election.

"On this day of victory, let our pledge for an equitable Bangladesh be: we will stand by people, forgetting division and hatred. On Grand Victory Day, I extend this call to all countrymen. I wish success to all programs arranged on the occasion of Victory Day," he concluded.