Nagorik Committee, anti-discrimination movement programmes highlight '47, '71, '24

The Jatiya Nagorik Committee and the Anti-discrimination Students Movement held separate programmes in Dhaka today, marking Victory Day by highlighting the 1947 partition, the 1971 Liberation War, and the 2024 mass uprising.

The Anti-discrimination Students Movement began its procession at Shaheed Minar in the afternoon, while the Jatiya Nagorik Committee started from the Banglamotor Intersection.

BD Cyclists also organised a Victory Day cycle rally in the capital. Participants dressed in red and green, with many decorating their bicycles with small national flags. The group cycled through the city while playing patriotic music, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Members of the citizens' committee and the anti-discrimination movement from various thana and upazila in Dhaka participated in the programmes of the respective organisations, alongside students and individuals injured during the July uprising.

Participants chanted slogans such as "Your country, my country; Bangladesh, Bangladesh" and "This 71 will not die, this 24 will not die," along with calls against foreign aggression.

Placards displayed images of partition-era leaders like Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq, and Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani.

Nasir Uddin Patwary, convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, led the rally, joined by leaders Sarjis Alam, Akhtar Hossain, Adib Arif, and others.

The Anti-discrimination Students Movement rally was led by its convener, Hasnat Abdullah, along with member secretary Arif Sohel and executive committee member Mahin Sarkar.

Later in the evening, prayers were held at the central offices of both organisations at Banglamotor, seeking forgiveness for the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 uprising, and for the recovery of the injured.

Earlier in the morning, after laying a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar, Nasir Uddin Patwary described Victory Day as both a joyous and painful occasion.

"The joy is in celebrating our freedom from Indian aggression and the defeat of Mujibist-fascist forces. However, we must remain vigilant about Delhi's intentions and their support for Mujibism. The youth must stay united to continue the fight," he stated.

Separately, the Anti-discrimination Students Movement declined an invitation from President Mohammed Shahabuddin to attend the Victory Day celebrations at Bangabhaban.

In a press release, the organisation declared that no leaders or activists would participate, following an executive committee decision.

At a discussion titled "47-71-24: Our Path to Victory," held at Dhaka University Central Students' Union, Hasnat Abdullah criticised current political leadership.

"Our politicians are moving towards parliament and ministerial positions, but we see the deception in their actions. Just as we judge the past today, the future will judge the present," he said.

He elaborated on the theme of the discussion, saying, "If there had been true victory in 1947, there would not have been 1971. Similarly, if there had been a genuine victory in 1971, 2024 would not have been necessary. This is not a cycle of victories but of continuous deception. We must decide whether 2024 will be another instance of betrayal."

Both organisations underscored the significance of this year's Victory Day as a moment to reflect on historical struggles while calling for vigilance and unity in addressing present challenges.

Meanwhile, the Liberation War Memorial in Kattali, Chattogram, was opened to the public for the first time on Victory Day. Large crowds visited the memorial to commemorate the triumph and pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War.