Today is the Independence Day of Bangladesh

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Jatiyo Smriti Shoudha (National Martyrs' Memorial) at Savar
near Dhaka memorializes the war dead of 1971.
It's the symbol of independence of Bangladesh.
Photo (Savar: November 19, 1986) © Jerome D'Costa

Today is the 39th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh. On this day, Bangladeshis, within the country and without, fondly remember the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. They also pay their highest tribute to the three million dead and 200,000 girls and women who were raped by the West Pakistani armymen and their collaborators. They also salute the freedom fighters and millions of people who made immeasurable sacrifices in bringing about the most awaited independence.

In the last several decades, Bangladesh has come a long way as an independent country. Yet, much more also needs to be done to make Bangladesh a truly free, independent and secular country where there will reside the spirit of unity, solidarity and equality of all irrespective of their social status and political and religious beliefs.