Victory Day Cycle Rally in Dhaka
December 16, was Victory Day for Bangladesh. On this day, the Bangaladeshi nation triumphed over Pakistan after enduring a harrowing nine-month war marked by immense bloodshed. Every year, the Bengali people commemorate Victory Day to honor and remember our freedom fighters.
The Bijoy Cycle Rally, celebrating the 54th anniversary of victory, was organized by the Dhaka University Cycling Club, featuring the national anthem. The rally started from TSC of Dhaka University and circled the main roads of the campus, including Curzon Hall, Central Shaheed Minar, Fuller Road, Smriti Chirantan, VC More and ended at the foot of the Invincible Bangla.
Muhammad Mahbub Kaiser, Assistant Proctor of Dhaka University, inaugurated the bicycle rally, which was led by Towhidur Rahman, President of the DU Cycling Club. Special guests included Sharif Jamil, Chief Coordinator of Water Keeper Bangladesh; Mahmudul Hasan, a leader of the July Revolution of Bangladesh; Md Aminul Islam Tubbus, President of the Bangladesh Cycle Lane Implementation Council; and Mohammad Zahir Uddin, Vice President of the DU Cycling Club.
Before the rally, Dhaka University Assistant Proctor Muhammad Mahbub Kaiser highlighted the importance of cycling for physical and mental health. He honored the martyrs of the liberation war and emphasized the bicycle rally’s role in raising social awareness, praising the DU Cycling Club for its efforts.
Sharif Jamil, Chief Coordinator of Water Keepers Bangladesh, spoke as the main speaker at the rally. He stated that the 1971 victory was won through sacrifice for equality and justice, which has not been realized in the past 53 years. Otherwise, apart from human rights violations, the air and rivers of Dhaka would not be so toxic. As a result, we also gave blood to the anti-dictatorship movement in 1990. Since our efforts were in vain, we had to give blood to our children in 24. Current leaders should remember that their victory in July-August comes with the responsibility to uphold the true spirit of our independence.
At the rally, Aminul Islam Tubbus, President of the Bangladesh Cycle Lane Implementation Council, said, “Where there is injustice, there is protest, there may a new dawn awaken, let us not be defeated, O my son, sing the song of commitment, red and green, in all the voices of the youth, the youth of this country have snatched victory again and again.”
Protecting our environment
Speakers said, “We haven’t achieved victory yet, struggling repeatedly because of our lack of unity and awareness.”
Dhaka University Cycling Club President Towhidur Rahman stated that cyclists are contributing to environmental protection, but face challenges due to insufficient bicycle parking and safe lanes.
In an important discussion
Speakers at the rally voiced concern about the polluted rivers in Dhaka and its status as the world’s most polluted city. They emphasized the need for bicycle parking and lanes.
The main program was hosted by Mehedi Hasan, Senior Joint General Secretary of DU Cycling Club.
