Feature

Muktir Utsab 2010
A festival of true spirit

Tabassum Mokhduma

SEVERAL thousand school boys and girls from across the country gathered in the programme organized by the Liberation War Museum (LWM) on 5 March 2010 at the central playground of the University of Dhaka (DU) campus where they pledged to build the society in the spirit of the Liberation War; where all people irrespective of faith, caste and creed would fully enjoy their rights and have access to opportunities for learning and development. The students also vowed to ensure the trial of war criminals and thus establish the rule of law in the country. They took the vow at the event organized by LWM titled Muktir Utsab 2010 (Freedom Festival) for the students who worked last year in LWM's outreach programme. Valiant freedom fighter Taramon Bibi Bir Pratik administered the oath.

The event saw the presence of students from different institutions, freedom fighters, eminent activists among others.

In her speech, Taramon urged the students to protect the country from the evil forces and build the nation with the spirit of the Liberation War.

State Minister for Liberation War Affairs AB Tajul Islam admitted that the country has yet to reach the destination for which the freedom fighters had made supreme sacrifice and millions suffered during the war in 1971. He also added that government is taking preparations for holding the trials.

Celebrated writer Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal called on the students to construct their lives keeping in mind three things -- mother, mother language and motherland. He also encouraged them to say thanks to freedom fighters whenever they meet them.

Freedom fighter Lt Gen (retd) Harun-ur-Rashid called on the students to remain united to ensure the trial of war criminals and implement the spirit of the war.

Mofidul Haque, Trustee and Member Secretary of LWM hoped that the spirit of young generation would play a vital role in building the new LWM. Akku Chowdhury, another Trustee of LWM said that one of the main objectives of the museum is to educate the new generation about the history of the country's independence to infuse in them the ideals of patriotism and liberal democratic values.

The programme started at 9:00am through hosting the national flag and rendering the national anthem. Students from 79 schools (72 of the city and seven from outside) took part in the programme. Besides, students of different institutions also organised cultural events, including singing, dancing and recitation of poems.

The museum has been holding the festival annually since 2000 to imbue the new generation with the spirit of the Liberation War.