Dhaka: BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today emphasized that the nation attained true freedom on November 7, 1975, through a civil-military revolution. “We saw the face of independence anew on November 7, 1975. The nation’s real freedom was achieved on November 7,” Rizvi remarked during the inauguration of a photo exhibition organized to commemorate the ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day.’
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was organized by Dhaka University Chhatra Dal and took place on the Battola premises of the university campus. Rizvi criticized the post-independence government, arguing that they did not consider anyone beyond themselves as the nation, neglecting the rights of the people and suppressing political diversity and press freedom.
Rizvi further stated that those who assumed power on August 15, 1975, were closely associated with Sheikh Mujib. He described November 7 as a pivotal moment when people found a new direction for their freedom amidst an era of suppression. He addressed an identity crisis that emerged in the early ’70s, attributing it to those who took power in 1972. He credited Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman with establishing a form of nationalism that provided a distinct identity and embodied the representation of the national flag, known as Bangladeshi Nationalism.
Criticizing the Awami League, Rizvi accused them of banning political parties and curtailing the freedom of press, writing, reading, and expression. He alleged that this led to a cycle of conspiracy and plotting, further deepening the national crisis.