BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday alleged that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi belittled Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty and freedom fighters by claiming that December 16, 1971, was India’s historic victory. “India arrogantly considers itself the master, as its Prime Minister Narendra Modi said December 16 was India’s historic victory,” he said while addressing a programme calling for a boycott of Indian products in Shantinagar. The BNP leader said Modi has belittled and ignored the independence of Bangladesh, its independent territory, the liberation war and the freedom fighters of Bangladesh. He said the brave sons of Bangladesh fought and put up a resistance against the invading forces of Pakistan from rivers, canals, water bodies, and jungles. “You (India) played the role of a friend. So, how can it be India’s Victory Day instead of Bangladesh’s Victory Day? That means they want to ignore our Liberation War,” the BNP leader said. Read: India doesn’t want democracy in neighbouring countries: Rizvi He said India also wanted to belittle the sacrifices of the 30 lakh martyrs who gave their lives for the liberation of Bangladesh. “When America was fighting against the British, France helped America from 1776 until their victory in 1781. But France never claimed that this was their Victory Day. Americans celebrate their Victory Day, their Independence Day,” Rizvi said. On Bangladesh’s Victory Day on Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the soldiers who contributed to India’s historic victory in 1971. "Today, on Vijay Diwas, we honour the courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India's historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve safeguarded our nation and brought glory to us," Modi wrote in a post on X. "This day is a tribute to their extraordinary valour and their unshakeable spirit. Their sacrifices will forever inspire generations and remain deeply embedded in our nation's history," he added. Read more: India 'tainted with blood of Muslims and others’, alleges Rizvi Rizvi also criticised India for backing Sheikh Hasina’s government to illegally stay in power. “No country in the world, except Delhi, has supported Sheikh Hasina for the past 16 years,” he said.

Bangladesh celebrated its 54th Victory Day on Monday, marking the nation's birth through the sacrifices of three million martyrs and the resilience of countless mothers and sisters, with various commemorative programmes. President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid glowing tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar, located on the outskirts of the capital, with the sun rising. After placing the wreath, President Shahabuddin stood in solemn silence for a while to pay respects to the brave martyrs of the Liberation War in 1971. During the ceremony, a smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force saluted the president and presented a guard of honour. Besides, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and First Lady Dr Rebeka Sultana hosted a reception at Bangabhaban today, marking the Victory Day. The event was attended by a diverse gathering of distinguished guests, including Chief Justice Syed Rafaat Hassan, members of the council of advisers, ambassadors and high commissioners from various countries. In addition, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and President of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta placed wreaths at the Jatiya Smritisoudho to honour the country's Freedom Fighters to mark the Victory Day celebrations. Dr Yunus said Victory Day is not only a source of pride but also an “oath day.” President Shahabuddin hosts Victory Day reception at Bangabhaban "The oath is to remain united, protect the sovereignty of the country, and uphold the spirit of the Liberation War," he said in a message on the occasion of Victory Day. Dr Yunus remembered the brave martyrs of the freedom struggle with respect and honoured their sacrifices.

China has said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's remarks against US sanctions were "not just the strong position of the Bangladeshi people, but also the mind of a large part of the international community, especially the developing world." Read: Bangladesh, Denmark launch action plan to strengthen partnership on green transition "We have noted the recent remarks by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Indeed, while turning a blind eye to its own racial discrimination, gun violence and drug proliferation problems, a certain country has long been interfering in the internal affairs of Bangladesh and many other developing countries under the pretext of democracy and human rights," said Spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Wang Wenbin, commenting on sanctions on Bangladesh. Read: Record 108.4 mln people forcibly displaced by end of  2022: UNHCR He said Bangladesh and China have been traditionally friendly neighbours. "We firmly support Bangladesh in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, upholding independent domestic and foreign policies, and pursuing a development path that suits its national realities," said the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson. Read: Japan provides critical funding to WFP’s lifesaving food assistance for Rohingyas He said they stand ready to work together with Bangladesh and other countries to oppose all forms of hegemony and power politics, uphold the UN-centred international system, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that the government has been working against independence and it should not be allowed to come to power again in any way. “ It’s a matter of regret and shame  that Awami League has taken a stance against independence now. During the Liberation War our aim and expectation was to establish a democratic society, multi-party state system which Awami League has destroyed  and  returning  to one-party rule as following  their previous technique,” he said. Now their stance is against independence, against democracy and against the people of the country, said Fakhrul at a programme at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity on Thursday. Bhashani Onusari Parishad organized the event marking former minister Sunil Kumer Gupto’s 15 the death anniversary. Fakhrul  came up with the remarks a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that  arson terrorist BNP-Jamaat alliance, the killers, the anti-liberation forces and war criminals must not come to power again in this land (Bangladesh),” she said. The prime minister said this on Tuesday while speaking at a civic reception accorded to her at Ritz Carlton hotel in Washington. The BNP leader also criticized the government  for its stance not to repeal the Digital Security Act.” When all are demanding cancellation of the law you are boasting that it would not be cancelled.” “ Why it should not be cancelled? You are using this(Digital Security Act) as an weapon which you don’t want to lose,” he added. “But you should not forget that the people of the country achieved independence though the Liberation War in 1971, they ousted the autocratic government through mass upsurge  in 1990. Now the people of the country have started a movement and democracy will win through this movement,” said Fakhrul. Read more: Arson terrorists, killers must not grab power again: PM Hasina He said that they country will have no existence if the anti-liberation, anti-democracy force comes to power again. “ For this reason we have started a simultaneous movement with all the political parties who love the country. We have created hope among people across the country. With this hope, we’ll have to free the country, protect independence and restore people’s rights ,” he added. Covenor of Bhashani Onusari Parishad Sheikh Rafiqul Islam chaired the event. Though the event was supposed to be held at the Jatiya Press Club later club authorities cancelled the permission. Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) President Mostafa Jamal Haidar, Gono Forum General Secretary Subrata Chowdhury, BNP Chairperson’s Advisor Council Member Bijon Kanti Sarkar, among others, spoke at the event.

On the occasion of Bangladesh’s 52nd anniversary of independence, the United States Congress introduced a resolution on March 29 — recognizing and commending Bangladesh and its remarkable socioeconomic progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Republican Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina introduced the resolution at the Congress as the co-chair of the Congressional Bangladesh Caucus. Joe Wilson Sr. (born July 31, 1947) has been serving as the US representative for South Carolina's 2nd congressional district since 2001. He earlier served as the South Carolina state senator from the 23rd district from 1985 to 2001. Read more: Declare Pakistan army action in 1971 ‘Genocide’: US congressmen introduce resolution While placing the resolution, Congressman Wilson recalled that 51 years ago on April 4, 1972, the United States recognized Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan. During the nine-month-long Bangladesh Liberation War, members of the Pakistan Armed Forces and pro-Pakistani militias killed hundreds of thousands of people and injured many more, the resolution said. The war for independence was a struggle for democracy and freedom led by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, it noted. It said Bangladesh has made enormous strides in the last five decades from one of the poorest nations to having one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with the GDP per capita increasing to $2,457 in 2021 according to the World Bank which now exceeds that of its regional neighbors. Read More: Japan is a true friend , trusted partner of Bangladesh since independence: Envoy The resolution mentioned since its independence in 1971, Bangladesh's economy has grown from $9 billion to $450 billion, life expectancy has risen from 47 years to 73 years, and the adult literacy rate has risen to more than 75 percent. Bangladesh, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has made substantial socioeconomic progress in food production, disaster resilience, poverty reduction, improved health, education, and women's empowerment, it noted. The resolution said Bangladesh has successfully maintained a moderate Muslim society and curbed extremism in the country, and its people have sought to maintain support for democracy and rule of law rather than descending into authoritarian rule. The resolution said the United States and Bangladesh have extensive cooperation on matters of regional and global security, counter terrorism, and climate change. Read More: India would help restore democracy as it helped gain independence: Fakhrul The US is the largest export market for Bangladesh and one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment, it said, adding the nation of Bangladesh has also contributed to the US economy through bilateral trade and international security cooperation in return. The resolution said the American people appreciate the generous and indispensable role that Bangladesh performs in accepting and sheltering more than 1 million Rohingya people from a genocide perpetrated by its neighbor, Myanmar. The United States has contributed the largest amount of humanitarian aid to address this crisis, totaling more than $2 billion. It said the American people welcome that Bangladesh is one of the world's largest contributors to United Nations’ peacekeeping efforts globally. Both countries seek to enhance their people-to people and government-to-government relationship for shared prosperity. The resolution mentioned that Bangladesh has expressed gratitude to the United States for contributing more than 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to the people of Bangladesh. Read More: Sultana Jesmin’s death in RAB custody won’t impact Bangladesh-US relations: Momen The resolution said the American people recognize and commend the nation and people of Bangladesh as they celebrate five decades of independence. The United States extends its sincere determination to remain a constructive partner of Bangladesh in achieving mutual economic, social and national security objectives now and into the future, the resolution concluded.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday called upon the people to join forces with her party to resist the 'ghosts' of illegal power grabbers who  want to foil the fruits of independence and the country's development spree. “The independence of the country must not be allowed to fail. The illegal power grabbers who killed the Father of the Nation and their ghosts must be prevented from demolishing the independence of the people of Bangladesh," she said. The prime minister was addressing a discussion organised by Awami League on the occasion of Independence and National Day at Bangabandhu International Conference Center here. She said that Bangladesh has achieved remarkable development as democracy has been prevailing in the country since 2008. “The world considers Bangladesh as the role model of development. From now on Bangladesh will not go backwards, it will move forward with an irresistible speed,” she said.  Hasina, also the chief of ruling Awami League, said the country witnessed darkness  for 29 years from 1975-1996 and 2001-2008. “We have brought new light for the people of Bangladesh removing that dark clouds. Bangladesh is advancing and will continue its journey towards development and prosperity,” she said. She said that come what may Bangladesh will continue its journey towards the path of light. She urged the Awami League activists and leaders to take forward the trust and confidence of the people in building the golden Bangladesh as dreamt by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “Let's not be confused by anyone's false statement,” she said. She stated that she knows it very well that there are international powers who do not like the continuous democracy in Bangladesh. “And there are some intellectuals of ours who do not like this at all. They think if any unusual government prevails in the country they will get importance as illegal power grabbers need some sticks like them. They are feeling hurt as they can't become that sticks (of the illegal power grabbers),” she said. She said that these people are relentlessly tarnishing the good name of the country abroad. Some inside the country are writing rubbish saying that nothing good happened here, she added.  Hasina also highlighted distortion of history and destruction of the spirit of the war of liberation, arson terrorism, militancy, killing, lotting, money laundering and corruption by Zia, Ershad and Khaleda Zia-led BNP-Jamat alliance across the country. She said that all the governments after the August 15 carnage tried to protect the killers of the Father of the Nation and allowed to participate in the presidential and parliamentary elections. Referring to 2008 elections, the premier said, her government has been able to establish Bangladesh as a developing country and its per capita income has risen to 2824 dollars, and annual budget to over Tk 6 lakh crore while Bangladesh has now become the 35th largest economy in the world. Sheikh Hasina said her government has made Bangladesh self-reliant on food and there is no shortage of food in the country despite entire world is facing food crisis. She mentioned that the government has constructed Padma bridge with country’s own fund, introduced metro rail service in Dhaka, while the Bangabandhu Karnofuli Tunnel will be opened soon and construction works of Paira Deep Sea Port are progressing. She vowed that none would be able to suppress the Bangalees any more and reaching fruits of independence to every house of the country is the pledge of her government on this Independence Day. The PM slammed BNP for calling movement in the month of Ramadan disregarding its sanctity and peace in public life. She recalled that Khaleda Zia during her regime had killed 17 labourers in the month of Ramadan as they waged a movement for raising their salaries. "Those who shot dead people in the month of Ramadan, how will they show respect to the holy month? So, they have called for a movement. They have no feeling for Ramadan and the sufferings of the people," she said. She also said that her Awami League party has decided against holding any iftar party this Ramadan to save the money to buy food for the poor people. Awami League presidium members Shahjahan Khan, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin and Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Awami League International Affairs Subcommittee chairman Ambassador Muhammad Zamir, Awami League presidium member Abdur Rahman, Awami League Central Committee members Parvin Zaman Kalpona and Advocate Nadira Khanom, Liberation War Affairs Secretary of Awami League Advocate Mrinal Kanti Das, general secretary of Awami League Dhaka South unit Humayun Kabir And Awami League Dhaka north unit general secretary SM Mannan Kochi also spoke at the programme.

Bangladesh Ansar and VDP made good starts to the Independence Day Handball Tournament by winning men's and women's matches on the opening day at the Shaheed Captain Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium in the capital Wednesday. Abdur Rahman, former chairman of Rajuk and former vice-president of the Bangladesh Handball Federation, inaugurated the competition. In the men's group, Ansar and VDP beat Chattogram Zila Krira Sangstha 41-12 after leading the first half 26-7. In today's other men's match, Border Guard Bangladesh outplayed Ideal Handball Garden Chapainawabganj 43-10 goals after leading the first half 23-6. In the women's group, Ansar and VDP beat Tetulia Upazila KS 41-22 after dominating the first half 23-9. Bangladesh Police Handball Club defeated Handball Training Center Dhaka 24-7. Handball Training Center Dhaka beat Jamalpur Sports Academy 36-16. Six teams, divided into two groups, are participating in the men's and women's competitions.  Men's teams Group A: Border Guard Bangladesh, Team Handball Dhaka and Ideal Handball Garden Chapainawabganj Group B: Ansar and VDP, Police Handball Club, and Chattogram Zila Krira Sangstha Women's teams Group A: Ansar and VDP, Badalgachi Handball Association, and Tetulia Upazila KS Group B: Jamalpur Sports Academy, Police Handball Club, and Handball Training Center Dhaka

There is ample opportunity to further expand the economic, trade and commercial relations between Bangladesh and Japan, Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed has said. Bangladesh welcomed Japan’s technical and financial investments in Bangladesh under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) initiative which complemented Bangladesh Government’s effort in augmenting infrastructure, communications, power and energy sectors. Further investment from Japan is expected in the coming days as the Japan specific Economic Zone in Narayanganj was inaugurated on December 6 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said the Ambassador. A few mega projects being built under Japanese assistance are at the final stages of completion to strengthen infrastructure for business and improve the country’s ease of doing business rating, the envoy said. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Japan celebrated the Glorious 51st Victory Day on Friday with due fervor and solemnity. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Shahabuddin said Japan continued to be a true friend and trusted partner in Bangladesh's development pursuit since independence. He underscored that the foundation of our strong bilateral relations was laid down by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during his visit to Japan in 1973 and has strengthened our friendship. Over the years, especially in the last 13 years her able daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina through her visits in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2019 has created a robust and multifaceted relations with Japan, he said. Especially, he mentioned the bilateral relations was elevated to a “Comprehensive partnership” in 2014. Both the countries are working together to take the relations to a new heigh in the coming days. Ambassador Shahabuddin thanked all to join the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Independence of Bangladesh in 2021 and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Japan this year. The event was graced by the presence of Japanese dignitaries including Ambassador Matsushiro Horiguchi, Ambassador Masato Watanabe, Ambassador Kiyokazu Ota and Professor Otsubo, who gifted the half bust of Bangabandhu to the Embassy. They congratulated Bangladesh on the victory day and talked about their involvement with Bangladesh over all these years. A significant number of Bangladeshi expatriates, Japanese dignitaries, academicians and Embassy officials attended the program held at the Bangabandhu auditorium in the Embassy by following existing Covid-19 health protocol. Read more: Dhaka to work closely with Tokyo to take relations to a new height: FM The program started in the morning with the hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed along with rendition of the national anthem in the presence of community members, Embassy officers and staff.

– BNP on Saturday voiced hope that as a friendly, neighbouring country India will support the people of Bangladesh to succeed in their struggle for democracy, just as they helped them gain independence during the Liberation War in 1971. Speaking at a rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also claimed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina could not make any visible gain from her recent four-day India tour as India is no longer happy with Awami League (AL).  “We certainly hope that India will also support the struggle of the people of Bangladesh for democracy and a democratic system since it helped us in the Liberation War in 1971. We also expect the same thing from all the democratic countries,” he said. Criticising the government for what he termed its repressive acts and failure to deliver, the BNP leader said the government cannot be given any more time to stay in power. “They (AL) don’t want time from the people of Bangladesh. Going to our neighbouring country India, they sought more time and steps so that they can stay in power for one more term. I would like to say it clearly that no one can do anything here without the support and love of the people of Bangladesh,” Fakhrul said. The BNP Dhaka south city unit’s Motijheel, Paltan and Shahjahanpur zone organised the rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, protesting the increase in prices of essentials, fuel and transport fares and the killing of three leaders of its associate bodies. Fakhrul said their party wants to maintain friendship with all countries, including India: “We think that India is a friendly country to us.” Read: BNP to intensify movement in Dhaka city with 16 rallies in September He said they hoped that the Prime Minister would take steps to resolve the outstanding issues with India, including the sharing of waters of the Teesta and other common rivers and stopping border killings and reducing the trade gap during her visit. “They (PM and AL) also expected that India would give them everything, but it didn’t happen as India is also not happy with them.” He alleged that the current government has ruined the country’s economy by indulging in 'widespread' plundering and corruption. Referring to a report by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), he said, Tk75,000 crores were siphoned off abroad from Bangladesh last year. “They’re indulging in mega corruption in the name of mega projects. They’re looting from every project, but not doing anything for the common people. Most of the banks’ funds have now been depleted. So, our backs are pushed against the walls. We must wake up to remove this regime,” the BNP leader said. Stating that Awami League has long been in power by force, he said a strong unity of people is now mandatory to restore democracy and establish a government ‘of the people’ by ousting the current regime.

On 2nd September 1945, at Hanoi’s Ba Dinh Square, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam (now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam). The Declaration, which demonstrates the strong will and aspirations of Vietnamese people, still remains deeply topical both at home and abroad after 76 years.  The Declaration fully and deeply reflects President Ho Chi Minh’s philosophical, political and even human points of view, as well as contains the values of human civilisation. In this document, the late President affirmed that national rights and human rights have a dialectical relation. The Declaration was not only a declaration of independence of the Vietnamese people but also a declaration of human rights and the rights of colonial nations. President Ho Chi Minh's elevation of human rights to national rights was his contribution to the treasure of human rights ideology. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the Vietnamese people rose up to repel the colonialists, feudalists and imperialists, regaining independence, freedom and human rights. Human rights in Viet Nam are not the value given by anyone but the result of the long struggle of the Vietnamese people. Read:Humanizing refugees The Declaration of Independence is a solid legal basis that strongly affirms the national sovereignty of the Vietnamese people to the whole world; laying the foundation for the establishment of a rule-of-law state with the goal of independence, freedom and happiness; and illuminating Viet Nam's revolutionary path in the cause of building a socialist rule-of-law state of the people, by the people and for the people, for the sake of wealthy people, strong country, democracy, justice and civilisation. 76 years have passed, President Ho Chi Minh's views and thoughts on human rights, national rights, aspirations and resilience to maintain independence and freedom shown in the Declaration still remain topical and significant to the nation building and safeguarding cause at present. Since then, the Vietnamese people have constantly strived for human rights and achieved many positive and important results. Human rights, civil rights in political, civil, economic, cultural and social fields are recognised, respected, protected and guaranteed in accordance with the Constitution and laws. With its achievements in ensuring human rights, Viet Nam was elected as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council in the 2014-2016 term. After nearly 35 years of Doi moi (Renewal), from a poor, least developed country, Viet Nam has become a middle-income developing country. Its human development index (HDI) has gradually improved, currently in the upper middle group, ranking 118th out of 189 countries. Years will pass, but the spirit of the Declaration of Independence that gave birth to the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam will always live on in the hearts of generations of Vietnamese people.