BNP on Sunday announced a series of programmes to mark Independence Day on 26 March.
The announcement was made by the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi at a press briefing held at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan.
According to Rizvi, the programmes will begin with the hoisting of the national and party flags early on 26 March. Party leaders and activists will then pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War by visiting the National Memorial at dawn. They will also offer prayers in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence.
As part of the observance, a discussion meeting will be held on 25 March at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), where central leaders of the party are expected to speak. Similar programmes will also be organised at district and upazila levels across the country.
Rizvi urged party leaders and activists at all levels to ensure the successful implementation of the programmes.
Speaking at the briefing, he highlighted the significance of Independence Day, stating that Bangladesh achieved its sovereign identity through immense sacrifice and bloodshed. He referred to Ziaur Rahman, saying his declaration of independence had provided direction to the nation during a critical period.
The BNP leader also alleged that forces opposing independence had attempted to weaken the country but were ultimately defeated. He criticised past political conditions, claiming that people’s freedoms were suppressed through enforced disappearances and killings, creating an atmosphere of fear.
Rizvi further mentioned BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, stating that she had made significant sacrifices for the rights of the people. He added that the current situation allows people to speak more freely without fear.
Expressing optimism about the future, he said the country is progressing toward a democratic path inspired by the vision of Tarique Rahman, though he noted that full democratic transformation would take time.
He also warned that those spreading misinformation would be judged negatively, adding that despite criticism, no one is currently facing state repression for expressing their views.
