Wali-ur Rahman, Former ambassador

A cabal of unruly people assassinated Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most of his family members at dawn on August 15, 1975.

This was a severe blow and an irreparable loss for the Bengali nation. The scars will never heal. Now we are an independent nation. How did we achieve the independence? A blend of blood and valor made that happen.

The Bangalis never hesitated to sacrifice their lives for achieving liberty, rights and independence. They protested vigorously against the Pakistani military autocrats. The Pakistani rulers were shaken to the core due to our protest and resistance. The Father of the Nation became a symbol of our courage and resistance.

Bangabandhu fearlessly and unwaver

ingly took to the streets, on many occasions, to realize the legitimate demands of the people of this country. He was incarcerated many a time with a smile on his face. With his index finger raised, the throne of the Pakistani rulers was shaken.

The Pakistani rulers were afraid of the Bangalis. They were very much afraid of Bangabandhu, a symbol of independence. Therefore, the Pakistani rulers tried to hang him after arresting him on March 25. We killed such a person whom even the mighty Pakistani rulers did not dare. How unfortunate we are! Words will to describe the contribution of Bangabandhu. We do not have the courage and capability to measure the contribution of Bangabandhu for whom we got an independent territory.

In fact, Bangabandhu wanted the legitimate rights of the people. He got everything from the Pakistani rulers as per his qualification and civic rights. He fought for liberty and independence. Now we are on the brink of achieving economic emancipation. We yearned for an exploitation-free society. The dream of democracy and non-communal Bangladesh is about to be materialized against all odds.

We remember the Father of the Nation on August 15 every year. Actually, we have to remember him all the year round. Because, he is our pillar of strength and source of inspiration. It is not possible to get back Bangabandhu alive but we have to go ahead following his example.

Translated by Hossen Sohel