Follow the guidelines of martyrs to develop the nation

Politics is founded on economics. A nation’s constitution and system of governance cannot exist without being based on economic principles. Only when a country is built upon sound economic foundations can it truly become a democratic nation,” said General Aung San, the national leader, in his New Year address on 18 April 1947.

By studying his speeches delivered on various occasions, it is evident that General Aung San urged all citizens of Myanmar to stay united, maintain discipline, exercise restraint where necessary, and work diligently and tirelessly with perseverance to achieve their desired goals.

After gaining independence, instead of striving to carry out national reconstruction efforts, priority was given to narrow-minded ethnic, regional, ideological, factional, and personal interests. As a result, national unity was undermined, leading to generations of armed conflict. Consequently, Myanmar has lagged behind other countries in the region in terms of development.

In line with the above principle, General Aung San emphasized that even after Myanmar gained independence, only through tireless efforts and the implementation of various reconstruction plans could the country reach its goals, and even then, it would take around 20 years. While other independent nations might progress step by step, Myanmar would need to take four or five steps at a time to catch up. If no action was taken, he warned, Myanmar would not even be able to match Thailand. He gave this final warning in his last public speech — delivered at the Yangon City Hall during a major political briefing for the whole Yangon area — about a week before his assassination, on 13 July 1947.

The 78th Martyrs’ Day of 2025 has now arrived. Every year on this day, the people of Myanmar solemnly remember and mourn the loss of the national leader, General Aung San, along with the other fallen martyrs, who were assassinated on 19 July 1947 — 78 years ago.

The people of Myanmar, especially the new generation of youth, need to focus less on a personal view of General Aung San and more on valuing his aspirations, goals, and speeches. It is important to respect and follow them. When all Myanmar people remember and honour them in this way, they should unite and work together in harmony toward the goals that General Aung San and the other martyrs envisioned: ethnic unity and the development and progress of the nation. Only then can the entire people achieve the prosperous country that the martyrs hoped for.

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