Sheikh Hasina Raises Alarm Over Resurgence of Defeated Forces on Bangladesh's Victory Day
Victory Day Reflections by Sheikh Hasina
Dhaka: On the occasion of Victory Day, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina voiced her worries regarding the resurgence of forces that were defeated during Bangladesh's Liberation War against Pakistan in 1971.
She highlighted that after enduring nine months of conflict led by the Awami League, the nation triumphed on December 16, 1971, at a great cost, compelling the Pakistani forces to surrender.
In her statement shared on the Awami League's social media account, Hasina expressed, "While we celebrate our victory, it is with sadness that I note the re-emergence of the defeated forces from 1971. They have disguised themselves as part of an anti-discrimination movement, creating a web of deceit, instigating terror, and unlawfully seizing power."
Hasina pointed out that during the protests in 2024, which ultimately led to her removal, the first target was Bangabandhu's residence at Dhanmondi 32, followed by attacks on various Liberation War memorials.
She recounted, "The initial assault on August 5 was aimed at Bangabandhu himself. The historic Dhanmondi 32 house, a significant site in the Bengali struggle for independence, was set ablaze; it was from this location that Bangabandhu proclaimed our independence. Across the nation, statues and memorials dedicated to Bangabandhu and the Liberation War were destroyed, the Liberation War Museum was ransacked, and even the killing fields and memorials were not spared."
Criticizing the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, Hasina claimed that for the past 17 months, chaos has reigned across the country, with the Liberation War becoming a primary target.
She stated, "Freedom fighters are facing physical assaults, slander against the Father of the Nation is rampant, and false narratives are being spread to tarnish the legacy of the Liberation War. The generation that fought for our freedom is being labeled as the 'worst generation'. Convicted war criminals have been released."
On this Victory Day, she extended her greetings to the citizens of Bangladesh and honored the freedom fighters, urging everyone to uphold the spirit and values of the Liberation War during these trying times.
"We will once again overcome the defeated forces. Just as we did on December 16, 1971, Bangladesh will achieve victory again under the Awami League's leadership. This nation, born from the sacrifices of the Liberation War, will not fall prey to the conspiracies of a few deceivers," the former Prime Minister concluded.