Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has alleged that the history of Bangladesh’s independence has been distorted, stressing the need to preserve the nation’s true historical legacy.
Speaking as a special guest at a discussion held at the Engineers Institute in Ramna, Dhaka, on Friday to mark Independence Day, Salahuddin Ahmed, also the BNP standing committee member, said the history of the country’s liberation and victory is inseparable from the role of the late president Ziaur Rahman.
He recalled that following the Pakistani military crackdown on 25 March, 1971, then-Major Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence from Chattogram, a proclamation that gained international recognition.
The BNP leader alleged that political motives have since led to the manipulation of historical accounts, creating disputes over the declaration of independence and associated documents. He emphasised that while no one’s contributions should be denied, the factual history must be preserved.
Salahuddin Ahmed also noted that the declaration referencing the leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was later republished, forming part of the historical record.
Highlighting the BNP’s ongoing struggle for democracy, he praised the leadership of Khaleda Zia and the party’s activists and student wings for their role in restoring and maintaining democratic governance.
He warned that democratic practices must be strengthened to prevent the return of authoritarian rule in Bangladesh.
The event was presided over by BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, with party leader Tarique Rahman attending as chief guest.
