Highlights
- President Md. Shahabuddin said Major Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence united the nation during the Liberation War.
- The statement was given in a message marking Genocide Day (25 March).
- He recalled the brutality of Operation Searchlight and the resistance that followed.
- The President urged the younger generation to learn about the history of the Liberation War and the genocide.
- He also emphasized the importance of unity, democracy, and building a just Bangladesh.
President Md. Shahabuddin said that the declaration of independence by then Major Ziaur Rahman helped unite a confused and divided nation and inspired people to join the armed Liberation War. He said,
“তৎকালীন মেজর জিয়াউর রহমানের স্বাধীনতার ঘোষণা বিভ্রান্ত ও দ্বিধাগ্রস্ত জাতিকে ঐক্যবদ্ধ করে তোলে এবং সশস্ত্র মুক্তিযুদ্ধে ঝাঁপিয়ে পড়তে সাহস জোগায়।” Translation: “The declaration of independence by then Major Ziaur Rahman united a confused and hesitant nation and gave them the courage to jump into the armed Liberation War.”
President Chuppu made this statement in a message on Tuesday (24 March) marking Genocide Day, observed on 25 March.
25 March: One of the Darkest Nights in Bangladesh’s History
The President described 25 March 1971 as one of the most brutal and painful chapters in Bangladesh’s national history. President Chuppu said that on that night, the Pakistani occupation forces carried out a brutal massacre on unarmed and sleeping Bengalis in the name of Operation Searchlight, leaving the nation shocked and speechless.
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Armed Resistance and the Start of the Liberation War
The President noted that on the same night, members of the East Bengal Regiment in Chattogram revolted against the genocide and started armed resistance. Later, from the Kalurghat radio station, Major Ziaur Rahman’s declaration further inspired the nation and strengthened the resistance, which marked the beginning of the nine-month Liberation War that ended in victory through the sacrifice of millions of martyrs.
Massacres Across the Country
He also recalled the killings that took place in different parts of the country, including Rajarbaug Police Lines, the then EPR headquarters, and Dhaka University, where students, teachers, intellectuals, workers, and many innocent civilians were brutally killed.
President Chuppu paid deep respect to all martyrs and remembered their contributions with gratitude.
Call for Youth to Learn True History
The President stressed that the younger generation must clearly understand the history of the Liberation War, the cruelty of the genocide, and the bravery of the nation.
Emphasis on Democracy and National Unity
In his message, the President said that after many years, the people’s voting rights have been restored through a free and fair election, and a democratic government has been established. He added that the spirit of the Liberation War was to build a just, democratic, and humane state free from inequality, corruption, and injustice.
President Chuppu called on people of all religions, races, and political beliefs to work together in unity for building a better Bangladesh and prayed for the souls of all martyrs of 25 March and the Liberation War.
Source: BanglaVision
