Bangladesh Victory Day: Former Prime Minister Hasina issues a warning about the 1971 war’s vanquished forces resurfacing
Bangladesh Victory Day: Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina voiced alarm over the reappearance of defeated soldiers from Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan on Victory Day.
Hasina recounted that on December 16, 1971, the country triumphed with great sacrifice, compelling the occupying Pakistani army to surrender, after nine months of fighting led by the Awami League.
“It must be declared with sadness today that the vanquished forces of 1971 have risen once again, alongside the pride of triumph. “They illegally seized power, spread planned terror, and laid a trap of deception under the guise of an anti-discrimination movement,” the former prime minister said in a statement released on the Awami League’s social media site X.
Hasina claimed that Bangabandhu’s house, Dhanmondi 32, was the target of the most attacks during the 2024 demonstrations in Bangladesh, which finally resulted in her removal. A string of assaults on the monuments of the Liberation War ensued.
“Bangabandhu was the target of the first strike on August 5. Bangabandhu proclaimed independence after the ancient home at Dhanmondi 32, which is closely linked to memories of the Liberation War and the Bengali fight for freedom, was set on fire. “The Liberation War Museum was looted, statues and memorials of Bangabandhu and the Liberation War were destroyed nationwide, and even killing fields and memorials were not spared,” she said.
Hasina attacked the interim administration established by Muhammad Yunus, saying that chaos has ruled the country for over 17 months, with the Liberation War itself being the main objective.
“Slander about the Father of the Nation is being disseminated, freedom fighters are being physically assaulted, and false stories are being told to lessen the significance of the Liberation War. The Liberation War generation is referred to as the “worst generation.” “War criminals who were found guilty have been freed,” she said.
She paid respect to the independence warriors and wished the people of Bangladesh a happy Victory Day, encouraging them to uphold the principles and ideals of the Liberation War in the face of adversity.
“Once again, we shall overcome the vanquished armies. Under the Awami League’s leadership, Bangladesh will triumph once again, just as it did on December 16, 1971. The former prime minister said, “This Bangladesh, which was born out of the successes of the Liberation War, will not be allowed to be lost to the schemes of a handful of deceivers.”