March 25 is a red-letter day in the history of Bangladesh. On the night of March 25 in 1971, the Pak occupation army let loose a reign of terror on the people of Dhaka. On that day and the days that followed millions of people were mercilessly killed all over the country. The way March 25 is celebrated in Bangladesh is perhaps not correct.

It should rather be observed as a day of mourning, grieving and praying for the salvation of the departed souls who were killed by the barbarous Pak occupation army.

Many a traumatised women and children were left in a vulnerable condition after their husbands and parents were killed. Most of these women and children, now grown up, live in a pitiable condition at the mercy of others with no dependable source of a livelihood.

Instead of spending millions of taka for fanfare and merrymaking in celebrating March 25, everybody including the government should come forward to do something for these helpless people.

It would be more befitting and worthwhile to do something for the welfare of these helpless people and pray for the salvation of those who died. By fanfare and merrymaking do we not mock at the fallen lives? It is never too late to correct and rectify.

Let us encourage the future generation in doing the right thing, observing March 25 in a befitting manner, keeping in mind the sacrifice of millions of lives that made us an independent nation. We can perhaps celebrate Victory Day on December 16 with fanfare.

Saleh Mohammad Ayub

Houston, Texas USA