The New Nation - Internet Edition

THIRTY-SEVEN years ago on this day, Bangladeshis created a magnificent history by triumphing over an occupation force and creating an independent and sovereign homeland. The creation of Bangladesh was nobody's favour. The people made supreme sacrifices and tremendous endeavours to win freedom. But the singular thought that fills the mind on the occasion of Bangladesh's 38th Victory Day is, whether this nation that created history in 1971 through a heroic War of Independence could utilise its enthusiasm and energy better to achieve faster progress in national development in all other spheres. The goals for which independence was won prominently included a better life for the people in every sense.

Other nations in Asia could travel very far in the same period to a remarkably elevated state economically. The goals of the independence struggle also included the establishment of a democratic system of governance, rule of law and a society based on fairplay and justice. But these goals remain not attained in large measures. The reasons must be explored in our political sphere, in the lack of dedication and vision of our leaders. The rate of advancement in different spheres could have been substantially greater if the country's political leaders were tolerant and learnt to cooperate with each other. The politics of a country can be the single most important vehicle for its rapid socio-economic progress.

Therefore, the political leadership needs to show maturity to really take the country forward. This would be the strongest aspiration of those who take time out to ponder over the state of the nation on occasions such as the Victory Day. Our polity or civil society should choose enlightened and dedicated leaders who are transparent and free from corruption to steer the country with much greater success in future.