August 15 is a dark day in our national life. It was on this day in 1975 that the architect of independent Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was killed along with his family. Even if those who carried out this dastardly act were hurled into the darkest abyss of history, the deep scar they have left on the nation's existence and psyche is yet to heal.
Despite much delay and many hurdles, this most contemptible killing in history has been brought to justice. Some of the killers have been hanged, but the rest remain out of reach. The government hasn't taken tangible measures over the past four and a half years to have these killers brought back to the country.
All his life Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had struggled to establish a prosperous, democratic and non-communal Bangladesh. His vision was for political and economic emancipation. After independence, Bangabandhu was pledge-bound to rebuild the war-torn Bangladesh. It was then that the conspirators, of home and outside, assassinated him.
Today on the national mourning day we remember this great leader, architect of independent Bangladesh, with respect. We feel that best way to show him respect is by materialising his dream for a democratic, exploitation-free and non-communal Bangladesh; to build a country were the fundamental spirit of independence is implemented and people of all caste and creed enjoy equal rights. This can be possible by establishing true democracy and the rule of law at all levels.
There can be criticism about Bangabandhu's rule, but to deny his incomparable and bold role in the Liberation War of Bangladesh, would be to deny Bangladesh. That is why we need to commemorate the memory of this great architect of the Bangladesh state as a nation, putting aside all narrow partisan boundaries.
Let the absconding killers be brought back and punished.