Dhaka, Dec 16 (NationPress) On this Victory Day, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina voiced her apprehensions regarding the resurgence of the defeated forces from the 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan. Hasina reminisced that after enduring nine months of turmoil, under the guidance of the Awami League, the nation triumphed on December 16, 1971, through extraordinary sacrifices, compelling the occupying Pakistani troops to surrender.

"While we celebrate our victory with pride, it is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge the re-emergence of the defeated forces from 1971. Disguised as an anti-discrimination movement, they have orchestrated deception, instilled terror, and usurped power illegally," stated the former PM in a message that was shared on the Awami League's social media account on X.

Hasina pointed out that during the protests in 2024, which ultimately led to her removal, it was Bangabandhu's residence at Dhanmondi 32 that was targeted first. This was followed by successive assaults on the memorials of the Liberation War.

"The initial attack on August 5 was aimed directly at Bangabandhu. The historic site at Dhanmondi 32, intimately linked to the memories of the Bengali quest for freedom and the Liberation War, was engulfed in flames; it was from this very place that Bangabandhu proclaimed independence. Across the nation, statues and memorials honoring Bangabandhu and the Liberation War were vandalized, the Liberation War Museum was robbed, and even the killing fields and memorials were not spared," she detailed.

Criticizing the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, Hasina claimed that for nearly 17 months, chaos has reigned throughout the country, with the Liberation War itself becoming a primary target.

"Freedom fighters are facing physical assaults, slander is being directed at the Father of the Nation, and fabricated narratives are emerging to tarnish the legacy of the Liberation War. The generation that fought for our freedom is being labeled the 'worst generation'. Convicted war criminals have been released," she remarked.

Extending her greetings to the people of Bangladesh on Victory Day and honoring the freedom fighters, she urged the populace to steadfastly uphold the spirit and values of the Liberation War during these trying times.

"We will once again vanquish the defeated forces. Just as on December 16, 1971, Bangladesh's victory will be realized once more under the leadership of the Awami League. This Bangladesh, born from the achievements of the Liberation War, will not fall prey to the conspiracies of a small group of deceivers," the former PM asserted.