Comilla, December 16, 2023 (Khairul Ahsan Manik) – In a joint effort, Step to Humanity Bangladesh and the Bangladesh North American Journalists Network marked the 53rd Victory Day tonight with a profound acknowledgment of the sacrifices and resilience that defined the heroic struggle of the Bengali nation.
The event, presided over by Delwar Zahid, Executive Command of the Canada Unit of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad and President of the Bangladesh North American Journalist Network, was organized to pay homage to the countless martyrs, intellectuals, and sisters who lost their lives during the liberation war. Zahid expressed a steadfast commitment to preserving the spirit of freedom by recognizing the invaluable contributions of the freedom fighters who played a pivotal role in securing Bangladesh’s independence.
Kamrul Hasan, the Director of Step to Humanity Bangladesh and the main speaker, shared poignant stories and perspectives during the event with Anwar Zahid, the eldest son of Shahid Sadek from Dhaka University and former director of Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development, as the guest of honor.
Eminent speakers from Step to Humanity Bangladesh and the Bangladesh North American Journalists Network provided insights into Victory Day’s contemporary relevance and significance, emphasizing the enduring legacy of the liberation war.
The meeting featured addresses from various notable figures, including Senior Teacher Shirin Ferdoshi, journalist Shamsul Habib, and Former Director of BARD Nasima Akter, Md. Rafat Hossain, Kora Hossain Evana. In attendance were Journalist Md. Firoz Miah, Asrar Jahid, and Dr. Mahbubur Rahman, Editor of The Daily Global Nation.
Delwar Jahid, a courageous freedom fighter, highlighted that the liberation war was not just a regional struggle but a manifestation of the visionary politics of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, promoting democracy, secularism, nationalism, and socialism. He lamented the challenges faced by the country over the past 53 years, citing corruption, inequality, and communalism as persistent issues hindering the realization of Bangabandhu’s dream of liberating farmers and laborers.
President of Step to Humanity-Bangladesh, Kamrul Hasan, expressed pride in the nation’s resilience, emphasizing that the enemies defeated in 1971 failed in their attempt to deprive the country of its merit. Under the capable leadership of Bangabandhu’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh continues progressing towards its goals despite facing obstacles.
Dr. Anwar underscored the contemporary challenge of safeguarding freedom and emphasized Bangladesh’s global prominence as a role model. He called for patriotic unity to protect and uphold hard-fought freedom.
Khairul Ahsan Manik remarked that, even after 52 years, the spirit of the freedom fighters remains embedded in history, asserting that public awareness is crucial for the meaningful preservation of freedom.
Sajjad Hossain emphasized the importance of the younger generation understanding the history, asserting that no conspiracy can overshadow the country’s identity.
Following the Victory Day celebration, Step to Humanity Bangladesh conducted an executive council meeting under the leadership of Kamrul Hasan. The meeting addressed future collaborations, community outreach programs, and fundraising strategies to enhance humanitarian initiatives and impactful journalism. Step to Humanity Bangladesh aims to tackle social issues and assist those in need. At the same time, the Bangladesh North American Journalists Network focuses on accurate and impactful reporting in their upcoming journalism efforts. Executive council members actively participated in the discussions, shaping the direction of their collective initiatives.