Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim has stated that despite the partition of the country in 1947 based on the two-nation theory and gaining independence in 1971, the country has not yet achieved full independence.
He said, “The main goal of independence was to establish justice and an egalitarian society through the establishment of Islam. However, 54 years later, ordinary people are still deprived of their rightful claims. Without a change in the country’s policies and ideals, the fate of the people will not change.”
He made these comments as the chief guest at a roundtable discussion titled “Path to Independence – 47, 71, 24: Context of Future Bangladesh” organised by the Islamic Youth Movement Bangladesh at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity on Saturday.
Mufti Faizul Karim further said, “The people have witnessed the rule of the Muslim League, Awami League, BNP, and Jatiya Party. But under their rule, the fortunes of the common people have not changed. Merely changing the country, party, or leader will not bring peace. Peace will only come when we can bring a change in policies and ideals and establish the noble ideals of Islam in state and social life.”
He added, “In 1947, the country was divided based on the two-nation theory, where Pakistan was meant to be for Muslims and Hindustan for Hindus. But that dream was never fulfilled. Later, in 1971, we fought for independence against the tyranny of the West Pakistani rulers. Yet today, the vested interest groups of Bangladesh continue to use the youth for their own benefit.”
He emphasised that the youth, who are following falsehoods and injustices, must be brought back from the path of destruction. “We had historically called for not just leaders, but a change in policy and ideals. It is that light of policy that will drive away the darkness of society,” he said.
The event was chaired by Atiqur Rahman Mujahid, President of the Islamic Youth Movement Bangladesh and conducted by Secretary General Mufti Mansur Ahmad Saki. Special guests included Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, Associate Professor Abdul Momen from Jagannath University, Acting Central Organising Secretary Shah Iftekhar Tariq.
Also present were Mufti Zahiduzzaman, President of Bangladesh Khilafat Youth Majlis, Jagpa President Nazrul Islam Bablu, Nadim Hassan, and Bangladesh Islami Jubo Somaj General Secretary Abdullah Al Masud Khan.
Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman stated, “Western colonialist powers and Brahminical India want to keep Bangladesh as their colony. However, the independent-minded people of this country have never bowed to foreign powers. The ruling class has repeatedly acted as puppets of foreign powers to come to power, which is unfortunate for the country.”
In his closing remarks, Atiqur Rahman Mujahid urged the youth to unite under the ideals of Islam to build a prosperous and beautiful future for Bangladesh. He said, “The three paths of 47, 71, and the desired Bangladesh of the future carry the dream of our independence.”
