Dhaka: BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman paid profound tribute to all the brave martyrs of the bloody 1971 Liberation War on the occasion of Bangladesh’s 55th Victory Day. In a message released on Victory Day, he stated, “On this day in 1971, the nine-month-long War of Independence concluded, and an independent state named Bangladesh was created. I extend deep homage to all the heroic freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives in Bangladesh’s War of Independence.”
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, extending greetings to the nation on Victory Day, Rahman said, “On this day, I offer my greetings to all citizens and expatriate Bangladeshis. May their lives be filled with happiness, peace, prosperity, and welfare.” He prayed for the salvation of the souls of the brave martyrs and offered his respectful salute to the mothers and sisters who made the supreme sacrifice to free the country from foreign shackles.
Rahman highlighted the historical context of the victory, noting that the War of Independence, which began on March 26, 1971, achieved victory on December 16 of that year by defeating the Pakistani occupying forces. He asserted that the new state was fundamentally committed to establishing a Bangladesh based on democratic principles, free from exploitation, and founded on social justice.
However, Rahman alleged that inhumane fascist groups repeatedly suppressed that commitment and imposed disastrous misrule on the people. He claimed that these groups halted the progress of multi-party democracy and that aggressive forces continue to disregard Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.
He accused local agents of weaving a web of conspiracy to endanger the country’s achieved independence and alleged that for the last sixteen years, these agents have ridiculed public opinion by holding successive farcical elections. He claimed that they seized all democratic rights of the people, making civil liberty invisible.
Rahman further alleged that multi-party democracy has vanished from the country, along with freedom of speech and expression. He added that absolute power has plunged the country into despair, fear, and anarchy. He mentioned the enforced disappearance and killing of countless individuals, alongside the imprisonment of millions in false cases.
Specifically, he mentioned the imprisonment of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, calling it unjust and oppressive. Rahman credited the inspiration of Great Victory Day for fostering national unity to protect independence and sovereignty from fascists and safeguard democracy.
He emphasized the need for free and fair elections to form a pro-people and accountable government. Rahman concluded by urging a pledge for a non-discriminatory Bangladesh, emphasizing unity and standing by people as human beings.