Dhaka, March 26 (NationPress) As Bangladesh commemorates its Independence Day on Thursday, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has claimed that anti-independence forces — aided by "domestic and foreign conspiracies" — are striving to undermine the principles established during the country’s 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan.

“Currently, the nation is navigating through a challenging and complex phase. After surmounting numerous barriers and steering the country towards prosperity, certain anti-independence factions — supported by both domestic and foreign plots — are once again attempting to diminish all our accomplishments,” Hasina stated in a message shared by the Awami League on its social media platform X.

Reiterating that Bangladesh has never yielded to injustice, the former Prime Minister remarked, “Just like in 1971, when the people of Bengal united under the leadership of the Father of the Nation and the Awami League to valiantly fight for victory in the Liberation War, the spirit and patriotism among the people of Bengal will rise again. No conspiracy can silence our voices. The populace will unite once more, dismantle all webs of conspiracy, and claim victory again.”

On March 26, the nation honors its Independence Day and National Day to pay tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country’s liberation. The armed struggle for independence initiated in the early hours of March 26, 1971, following a brutal assault on unarmed Bangladeshis by Pakistani forces on the night of March 25, 1971, which is referred to as ‘Genocide Day’.

Reflecting on her father's legacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina paid her respects, acknowledging that under his “indomitable leadership,” Bangladesh achieved its independence.

She also expressed her gratitude to the four national leaders, the valiant fighters of the Liberation War, the three million martyrs, the organizers at every level, and the countless women who endured the atrocities committed by the Pakistani forces.

Quoting her father’s poignant words from March 26, 1971, she said, “This may be my last message. From today, Bangladesh is independent. I urge all Bangladeshis — wherever you are, with whatever you possess — to resist the occupying forces with all your might. Continue the struggle until the last soldier of the Pakistani occupation army is expelled from the land of Bengal and final victory is secured.”

Hasina noted that the broadcast of this message in the early hours of March 26, 1971, marked the very inception of Bangladesh.

“On this momentous occasion of Great Independence and National Day, I convey my heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the people of our nation and all Bangladeshis residing abroad,” she emphasized, highlighting the day's importance.