Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed today criticized the Awami League for creating divisions among the people of Bangladesh into pro and anti-liberation camps in the post-independence era. He expressed these views while unveiling the cover of a book titled “From Spark to Wildfire: An Unknown Chapter of Uprising” at an event organized by Adarsha Publication at the TSC auditorium of Dhaka University.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Salahuddin Ahmed stated that in the aftermath of Bangladesh’s independence, there was a collective embrace of freedom, yet the Awami League was responsible for categorizing people based on their stance during the liberation. He emphasized the need for national unity, proposing the idea of an anti-fascist national unity reminiscent of the student-led mass uprising of July 2024. Salahuddin stressed that this unity is vital for building a democratic Bangladesh in the future.
The BNP leader further argued that historical figures, such as Sheikh Mujib, did not leave a clear path for a peaceful transition of power, citing Tajuddin’s daughter’s writings as evidence. He also paid tribute to Shaheed Abu Sayed, highlighting his significant role in Bangladesh’s historical narrative.
The event featured prominent figures such as Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha Managing Director and Chief Editor Mahbub Morshed, BNP’s Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul, Adviser to BNP’s Acting Chairman Dr. Mahadi Amin, and former Chairman of the Bengali Department at Jahangirnagar University Professor Shamima Sultana. Mahbub Morshed discussed the historical context leading to the July mass uprising, pointing out the pivotal role of the student community and their previous movements against the Awami League government.
The gathering underscored the importance of documenting the movements that paved the way for the 2024 mass uprising, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that guided its course. Mahabur Rahman, the publisher of Adarsha Prakashani, delivered the welcome speech at the event.