Dhaka: BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today emphasized the patriotic role of intellectuals during the Great War of Liberation in 1971, highlighting their enduring influence on the nation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rahman made these remarks in a post on his verified Facebook page, where he acknowledged the martyred intellectuals, including teachers, doctors, writers, journalists, and artists, who were killed by the occupation forces and their collaborators on December 14, 1971. He stated, "The martyred intellectuals were motivated by patriotism and stood by the countrymen. They protested injustice and took up their pens for the cause of independence. Their lives and work continue to inspire us today."
Rahman paid tribute to these intellectuals, praying for the eternal peace of their souls. He remarked on the loss of intellectual resources due to the killings, describing it as a profound conspiracy. "The murder of the nation's best sons on the eve of victory still saddens the entire nation. However, the ideals they left behind, namely, the pursuit of knowledge, science, free thought, and the spirit of harmony among all religions, castes, and communities, inspire the determination to build a developed and progressive nation. Building a modern, democratic state was their ultimate goal," he added.
The BNP leader pointed out that the dreams of these intellectuals remain unfulfilled, stating, "But even after half a century, the dreams of the martyred intellectuals have not been fulfilled. Democracy has repeatedly fallen into a death trap. The democratic development of the state has been obstructed by creating an atmosphere of one-party misrule. Despite much bloodshed, the freedom of expression, writing, and speech is yet to be free from the crisis of adversity."
In conclusion, Tarique Rahman expressed hope that the ideals of the martyred intellectuals would be realized through the establishment of the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and a diverse political system following the overthrow of fascism in the July Uprising.