A powerful message with an intrinsic overtone of its own reverberated throughout the country unifying the people with a rock-solid determination to write a new chapter in their annals, in the process, to world history. So long, what had been a political course of action revolving around their demand for autonomy, suddenly burst forth into an armed struggle for freedom. The massacre of innocent people on the night of 25 March 1971 and subsequent unleashing of the Pakistani killing machines all across the country left no choice for the Bengalis but to take up arms.

While talking about the unprecedented War of Independence waged by an ill-armed people against an enemy that was armed to the teeth, mention must be made of the saga of supreme sacrifice of the women in terms of loss of near and dear ones, defilement, physical and mental endurance they went through with great fortitude. They kept the embers of hope for ultimate victory -- freedom -- burning despite the maneuvering of a dangerous adversary that was on a killing mission. They extended help and support to the War of Independence in every sector and they fought shoulder to shoulder with their brothers.

Understandably, the genocide and the resulting massacre led to a massive exodus of people into neighbouring India, where the hospitality extended by both the Indian government and the people from all walks of life remains unparalleled in history. The anguish of the uprooted people seemed less when they received the much-needed emotional and practical support in their times of trial and tribulation.

A word of tribute to the seminal role of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the War of Independence; for he truly is the architect and central figure in the creation of Bangladesh.

By the time we commemorate the next Independence Day, we will have seen another general election and an extremely important one at that. The interlude between now and then therefore assumes crucial significance in terms of strengthening democracy without which the gains of independence will not be fully consolidated or fully realised, for sure.

Of late, we have seen a welcome initiative crystalising among the civil society aimed at securing people's right of choice in a qualitative sense by demanding that honest and competent candidates participate in the next election. It should find resonance with the political parties in the shape of fielding candidates with impeccable leadership credentials. And the people must too demand it.