Agartala: Dec 16: December 16 marks Bangladesh’s Victory Day, a day of great significance that is traditionally celebrated with due reverence every year. However, due to the current political situation, this year’s celebrations were not held at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission office in Agartala, as in previous years. On Monday morning, a brief ceremony took place at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission office to observe the occasion. Notably, Bangladesh’s Assistant High Commissioner, Arif Mohammad, was absent from the event.
The ceremony began with the hoisting of Bangladesh’s national flag, followed by no further scheduled events, unlike in previous years when various programs were conducted. Those present at the event reflected on the beginning of Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971 and the country’s subsequent independence on December 16. They paid tribute to those who have continued to work in the spirit of the Liberation War and extended Victory Day wishes to the people of India.
However, it was striking that, for the first time, the names of key figures from Bangladesh’s struggle for independence were not mentioned. In the past, the celebrations would begin with the hoisting of Bangladesh’s national flag and the national anthem, followed by tributes to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation. Various programs would also be held in his honor. This year, none of these traditions were observed at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission office.
Reports suggest that, as per the directive of Bangladesh’s interim government, the Victory Day was celebrated at the Bangladesh Government High Commission office in Agartala, but many aspects of the country’s history were overlooked.
Notably, Bangladesh has been witnessing political unrest since August, when the quota reform movement led to the fall of the Hasina government. Allegations of persecution against religious minorities, and the arrest of leaders advocating for them, have further added to the turmoil. The destruction of monuments dedicated to Liberation War heroes has sparked controversy, and following the formation of an interim government, efforts are being made to reshape Bangladesh’s history. Experts believe that these events signal an attempt to rewrite the nation’s past.
