As we step into the 49th year of independence and 50th Victory Day, it is a time to pay homage of known and unknown heroes of the Liberation War who laid down their lives so that we may taste the fruits of liberty. It is time to remember the Bangabandhu, and the four national leaders who, inspired by Bangabandhu, led the nation to victory. On this day, we also remember our foreign friends for their unflinching support during the crucial nine months of the war.

The country has come far from the days of injustice and persecution suffered under the hands of Pakistanis during the 24 years under Pakistan and the harrowing nine months of war. However, it is also a time for stocktaking to see whether we have lived up to the dreams of our martyrs.

Despite problems of governance, the country has achieved much since 1971. The economy has progressed well regardless of natural adversities like floods and cyclones. We have achieved self-sufficiency in food, and more and more children are going to school and receiving immunizations from diseases. Bangladesh has clinched the second spot after China in the global readymade apparels scene and we have diversified our exports to other emerging markets and products.

Yet, we have also suffered from the unfettered rise of corruption and a constant shrinking of space where free thinking is becoming an increasingly precious commodity. Democracy, for which the nation was united under Bangabandhu, is today increasingly under duress and parliamentary democracy looking more and more like a monolithic dispensation.

Our future goal would be to address the pitfalls that hamper our progress as a people and that means establishing a truly healthy democratic political culture that conforms to the Spirit of 1971.