[BEN-NY-NJ-CT] [External] Independence Day greetings!

UsaNewsOnline.Com Desk : Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN) — the global network for protection of environment — greets all on the occasion of March 26, the Independence Day of Bangladesh. On this day, in 1971, following the genocide beginning on March 25, Bangladesh declared its independence. A clarion call was issued to all Bangladeshis to take up arms to resist and oust the occupation Pakistan army. On this day, BEN pays homage to all those brave sons and daughters of the country who responded to that call and fought bravely to achieve the victory of December 16. In particular, BEN pays homage to the martyrs, the maimed, the women who were violated, and others who suffered terribly during the Liberation War. It is through their sacrifice that the independence was won.

This year the Independence Day is celebrated at a time of a grave crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has correctly cancelled all celebrations requiring congregation of people. Many people in Bangladesh have been infected by the corona virus and some have already died. Bangladeshis living abroad are also falling victim of the pandemic.

BEN appeals to all to heed the advice of doctors and public officials and stay safe. At the same time, it urges all to express solidarity and help the vulnerable, to the extent possible, without putting themselves at risk. In this regard, BEN is encouraged to see many youth organizations in Bangladesh volunteering to make and distribute hand sanitizer, masks, and other items that can help people to stay safe from the corona virus. These noble efforts accord well with the spirit with which the young in 1971 joined the Liberation War. BEN hopes that, first, the people and the government of Bangladesh, working together, will overcome the COVID-19 challenge.

BEN also observes that the COVID-19 crisis has brought to fore the necessity of building a more equitable Bangladesh, where all have access to adequate healthcare and social security. The working poor of Bangladesh now faces a double jeopardy. They have to go out and work and risk acquiring the virus, because they lack the protection of a social security system. At the same time, they lack treatment if they get infected by the disease, because there is not adequate public healthcare system for them.

One of the ideals of the Liberation War was to establish a cohesive society — a society without stark division between rich and poor. Unfortunately, despite the economic progress in recent decades, Bangladesh had become more unequal, where the rich and poor live in almost different worlds.

BEN therefore thinks that, once the COVID-19 challenge is over, Bangladesh will turn its attention to the task of building a more socially cohesive country, so that it is better prepared to confront such challenges in future. BEN also hopes that the COVID-19 crisis will prompt Bangladesh to see more clearly the connection between public health and good environment and thus pay more attention to environmental protection.  

Happy Independence Day! Press Release.