Introduction: Independence is something that a nation always looks forward to because without independence a nation remains in imagination. Independence is, therefore, an event as well as an experience, which a nation always treasures as long as it remains independent. Independence means to be ruled by itself. With the surrender of the barbarous Pakistani army to the Mukti Bahini and the Allied Command at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan on 16 December 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent state. Since then the people of Bangladesh have observed 26 March and 16 December as Independence Day and Victory Day respectively.
The War of Independence: On the night of 25 March 1971, the Pakistan army cracked down upon the sleeping Dhaka. Major Zia announced independence on behalf of Bangabandhu from Kalur Ghat Radio Centre on 27th March. The Pak army killed thousands of unarmed, innocent, and peace-loving citizens, hundreds of intellectuals, raped innumerable women. They continued a reign of terror throughout the country till their final surrender.
But the patriotic and golden sons of Bangladesh faced the situation with great courage and determination. The students, youths, workers, and the members of the Bengal Regiment, E.P.R, Police formed themselves into the Mukti Bahini to put up stiff resistance against the occupation forces. The whole area of Bangladesh was divided into eleven sectors led by one sector commander each. In the beginning, the Mukti Bahini had no sufficient military training and modern weapons. Gradually they gathered much fighting strength. At one stage, the Soviet Union and the Allied Forces from India stepped forward to help the Mukti Bahini. The USA wanted to help the Pakistani forces with the 7th Nowbahor but was unable for 29th Rushe Ranatory. The Pakistani forces were being confronted in different sectors. Finally, the Mukti Bahini along with the Allied Forces inflicted a severe blow on the enemy. As a result, the Pakistani soldiers lost their morale and were compelled to make an unconditional surrender.
Surrender of the Pak Army: The commander of the Eastern Command of the Pakistani Army was asked by the chief of Indian Armed Forces Lt. General Jagjit Singh Aurora to surrender to the Mukti Bahini and the Allied Forces. The Instrument of surrender was signed by General A. A. K. Niazi at historic Suhrawardy Udyan on 16 December 1971 when Bangladesh came into being and had its place on the world map.
How Observed: The day begins with a 31-gun salute in the morning across the country. The day is a public holiday and the national flag flutters atop all the government and private buildings. On the occasion, the Head of the state leads the nation to pay homage to the valiant sons of the soil who embraced martyrdom for the country’s independence by laying a floral wreath at the National Mausoleum at Savar. To celebrate the day, political parties, socio-cultural and student organizations, trade bodies, and professional groups lay wreaths, hold seminars, symposiums, discussion meetings, and cultural soiree to pay homage to the martyrs and recall the supreme sacrifices of the golden sons. Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar broadcast special programs and national dailies published special supplements highlighting the significance of the day.
Significance: The 26 March / the 16 December is remembered every year. The day symbolizes both joys and pains as millions of people laid down their lives to free the country. It is not the day of commemoration of the martyred freedom fighters but also the day of inspiration of being united for the realization of the dreams for which the martyrs fought.
Conclusion: As the day symbolizes the triumph of justice over tyranny, of truth over falsehood, of light over darkness, of freedom over slavery, of humanity over inhumanity, the sincere cooperation of all is now earnestly desirable to combat population growth, alleviate poverty, stop terrorism in educational institutions and development of the people and the country. In spite of differences in opinions, we should ensure respect for each other and form unity on important national issues. If it is done so, the souls of the martyrs will remain in peace.