State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain has warned that any attempt to disrespect Bangladesh’s Liberation War or freedom fighters could lead to another mass uprising in the country.
“If any party or individual tries to insult freedom fighters, there will be another mass uprising if necessary. We will not allow the Liberation War or Bangladesh to be disrespected,” he said, adding that such actions, if needed, would face strong resistance.
He made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon while speaking at a meeting with freedom fighters after visiting the Birshreshtha Ruhul Amin Memorial Museum in Nandiapara area of Sonaimuri upazila in Noakhali.
Referring to political developments, Ishraque Hossain said efforts were being made by some quarters to undermine or erase the significance of the 1971 Liberation War.
He alleged that over the past 17 years, a political party had monopolised the narrative of the Liberation War and misused it for political advantage, while also accusing it of corruption and undermining democratic institutions.
He further claimed that another political group was attempting to benefit from the 2024 mass uprising.
“The people of Bangladesh are not foolish. The BNP believes in democracy, and we want all decisions to be left to the people through elections,” he said.
The minister stressed that Bangladesh was born in 1971 through the Liberation War and warned against any attempt to diminish its importance. “We, as followers of Ziaur Rahman’s ideology, will not accept any disrespect toward 1971,” he said.
He also alleged that individuals who opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 were now active in politics and making provocative statements.
Referring to a recent television talk show, he cited comments allegedly made by a political figure regarding Pakistan, which he said reflected disregard for the country’s independence history.
Highlighting past political struggles, Ishraque Hossain said opposition parties, including the BNP and its allies, had faced enforced disappearances, killings, and repression over the past 17 years.
He claimed that the 2024 mass uprising involved broad participation from students and citizens, with student activists playing a key role in the movement.
He also stated that a significant number of student leaders had lost their lives during the protests, describing the movement as part of a broader struggle for democratic rights.
Local MP AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Shafiqul Islam, Superintendent of Police ATM Mosharraf Hossain, and other officials were present at the programme.
