Sirajganj: Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister and freedom fighter Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku stated today that Bangladesh’s creation was not the result of any foreign conspiracy but rather emerged from the struggle to establish rights and build a progressive state.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister was speaking at a reception organized for freedom fighters by the district administration in observance of Independence and National Day 2026 at the district Shilpakala Academy auditorium. The event was held at 11 am. Tuku emphasized that Bangladesh was not created through a conspiracy by any country, but was born to ensure people’s rights and to build a progressive state. He reiterated that the Liberation War was not fought to establish a religion-based state.
The minister highlighted that the War of Liberation was a people’s war, with common working individuals participating and securing the country’s independence. He reflected on the brutal events of March 25, 1971, when Pakistani forces carried out killings, and noted that people seeking freedom continued their struggle during the war.
Tuku also pointed out that freedom fighters joined the war to protect the country, its soil, and sovereignty, not for personal gain. He expressed concern that the spirit of the War of Liberation has been misused over the years as a tool to cling to power and for corruption. Addressing the freedom fighters, he urged them to remain vigilant, warning that anti-liberation forces could rise again if people remain inactive.
He mentioned that various benefits and welfare measures for freedom fighters were introduced during the tenure of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The minister also addressed a pressing issue regarding the rapid depletion of fuel supplies, urging the administration to stay vigilant to prevent any siphoning off of resources.
The event was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam and featured speeches from Police Superintendent Saiful Islam Santu, district BNP vice-president and convener of Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal Bir Muktijoddha Azizur Rahman Dulal, among others. The program was attended by notable figures including Deputy Director of Local Government Division Kamrul Islam, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Ganapati Roy, and several other administrative officials and freedom fighters, who were honored with crests during the reception.