VICTORY DAY is etched in the heart of every Bangladeshi as a symbol of triumph over oppression, injustice and exploitation. It commemorates the hard-fought victory of 1971 when the people of this land, united in their resolve, broke free from the shackles of Pakistan鈥檚 exploitative rule. The liberation war was a fight not only for independence but also against corruption, inequality and systemic deprivation. However, more than five decades later, Bangladesh is grappling with an enemy within 鈥� corruption, which has alarmingly eroded the nation鈥檚 resources, values and progress.
As we celebrate Victory Day, it is time to reflect on the ideals for which our martyrs laid down their lives and the struggle of the present generation to reclaim those ideals. The year 2024 signifies a renewed fight 鈥� against the pervasive corruption that threatens to undo the gains of 1971. The youth of Bangladesh, inspired by the spirit of the July uprising, have taken an oath to hold leaders accountable and to build a society founded on integrity and justice.
The liberation war was not merely a demand for political independence but also an uprising against the corruption and systemic exploitation perpetrated by West Pakistan. The economic disparity between East Pakistan and West Pakistan was staggering. East Pakistan, which accounted for the lion鈥檚 share of the revenue through its jute exports, received minimal investment in return. The infrastructure, education system and healthcare facilities in East Pakistan were neglected and the region鈥檚 people were treated as second-class citizens.
This exploitation extended to governance as well. Corruption in public administration, discriminatory economic policies and the hoarding of wealth by the West Pakistani elite created widespread resentment among the people of East Pakistan. The liberation war was, therefore, a fight for fairness, equity and self-determination 鈥� a chance to establish a society free of the systemic corruption that had plagued the region.
The victory on December 16, 1971 brought with it hopes for a new dawn. The people envisioned a country where justice, transparency and fairness would prevail. Unfortunately, the post-independence reality has failed to live up to the expectations. Political instability, the assassination of national leaders and the lack of a cohesive vision for governance created a fertile ground for corruption to take root in the nascent state.
Over the years, corruption has infiltrated every level of society, from public administration to politics, from education system to health care. It has reached an alarming scale, with recent revelations of massive mismanagement and embezzlement of public funds. The country鈥檚 reserves, painstakingly built over decades, have been depleted through financial scams, money laundering, and the looting of national wealth by a privileged few.
This betrayal of the ideals of 1971 is, perhaps, one of the greatest tragedies of modern Bangladesh. The very people who were entrusted to safeguard the nation鈥檚 future have been complicit in eroding its foundations.
In the face of such disillusionment, the July uprising has emerged as a beacon of hope. Led primarily by the youth, this movement represents a new wave of activism and accountability, echoing the spirit of 1971. The primary focus of the uprising is to eradicate corruption, ensure transparency and demand accountability from leaders and institutions.
The youth, who have grown up hearing stories of the liberation war, are reclaiming the narrative of independence. For them, the uprising is about fulfilling the promises of 1971 鈥� a society where resources are distributed equitably, where leaders are held accountable and where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
This movement is not only political. It is also a cultural and moral awakening. Through social networks, grass-roots activism and public demonstrations, the youth are challenging the status quo and pushing for systemic change. They are calling for stricter laws against corruption, reforms in governance and a transparent process for the management of public funds.
Victory Day this year, therefore, carries a renewed significance for the people, especially the youth. It is a day to reflect on the sacrifices of the past and to chart out a course for a bright future. The youth envision a country where the values of honesty, justice and equality are upheld.
On this Victory Day, the youth expect concrete actions, not mere promises. They demand the recovery of the stolen wealth, the prosecution of those involved in corruption and the implementation of policies that ensure transparency in governance. Education, health care and economic opportunities must be prioritised to address the inequalities that corruption has perpetuated.
Education, in particular, is a key area of focus. The youth recognise that corruption has undermined the education system, from embezzlement of public funds to the politicisation of educational institutions. They call for a system that promotes merit, critical thinking and innovation 鈥� a system that empowers the next generation to drive the nation forward.
Victory Day has always been a reminder of what Bangladesh can achieve when its people are united in purpose. The spirit of 1971, which brought together people from all walks of life to fight for a common cause, must now inspire a new generation to take on the challenges of today.
Corruption is not an inevitable reality. It is a product of human choices and systems that can be changed. The youth, armed with the lessons of history and the courage of conviction, are determined to bring about that change. Their fight is against not only corrupt individuals but also a culture that normalises and perpetuates corruption.
The day this year is more than a commemoration of past achievements. It is a call to action. It is a reminder that independence is not a one-time event but an ongoing struggle to uphold the values for which so many sacrificed their lives.
As the youth take up the mantle, they embody the hope and resilience that define this nation. By fighting corruption, demanding accountability and building a society founded on justice and fairness, they are ensuring that the dreams of 1971 are not just remembered but realised.
Victory Day is not just a celebration of the past. It is a promise to the future where Bangladesh stands tall as a nation that values integrity, equity and the indomitable spirit of people.
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Mohammad Jashim Uddin is an associate professor of English at the Northern University Bangladesh.
