December 16, the nation joyously commemorates Victory Day, a cherished occasion in the hearts of the Bangalees with many recollecting the painful memories of the bloody birth of the nation in 1971. It marks the liberation of our country from the clutches of Pakistani occupation forces 52 years ago, following a relentless and bloodstained nine-month War of Liberation.

On the historic date of December 16, 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation, guided by the visionary leadership of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This monumental achievement, however, came at a profound cost—the supreme sacrifice of three million individuals and the honour of nearly half a million women.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the occasion, paying glowing tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War in 1971.

Measured in sights and sounds, patriotism seeped in boundless joy is openly expressed on the streets of Dhaka. But, the country of 18 million people is also at a crossroads, grappling with many challenges as it tries to deepen its nationhood, ahead of the crucial general election early next year.

A host of commentators is saying that Bangladesh has come a long way from being a "basket case", as US diplomat Henry Kissinger had smugly christened the country in 1971. With an economic growth rate of 6%, it is the world's third-largest exporter of readymade garments and has also made considerable progress in various sectors such as education, health, energy and infrastructure.

But political challenges are far too complex. Ahead of the next general elections, there are signs of political stalemates, agitations and bitter political rivalries between the two main political parties - the ruling Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party which is demanding a free, fair and inclusive election under a caretaker government- not under the Sheikh Hasina-led government.

“The crisis that the country faces today is the creation of the 52 years of failure of the contrarian forces and our inability to build the country on the promise of December 16”, Abdul Hamid, a freedom fighter residing in Malibagh in the capital city.

With the US openly supporting the BNP, the domestic political tussles have also acquired a new geopolitical dimension, which is no good news for India either. The death sentences handed over to Jamaat leaders and the execution of Abdul Quader Molla last week have snowballed into a crisis already.

BNP will take out a colourful rally on Saturday celebrating the Great Victory Day along with other programs.

Speaking at a virtual press briefing on Friday, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said they will bring out the procession at 1pm from in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office.