BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has strongly criticised the forces that opposed the Pakistan movement in 1947 and denied Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.
Speaking at a discussion on Sunday in Dhaka, Fakhrul stated, “There is no reason to believe the forces that opposed the Pakistan movement in 1947 and denied Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.”
He further claimed that these same forces, which opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, are now trying to change their stance and present themselves as proponents of a new Bangladesh.
However, Fakhrul emphasised that people of the country cannot be fooled by their words.
The discussion titled “National Parliamentary Election Is Essential to Protect Democracy at a Critical Time for the Nation” was organized by the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal and Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Projonmo at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh.
Fakhrul went on to express concern over the deep polarization in the country. “The people of Bangladesh must decide what they stand for — independence, sovereignty, and democracy, or the backward forces that opposed our independence and tried to hinder our progress,” he said.
He warned that the forces opposed to Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 have resurfaced and are again trying to deceive the public in the name of religion, using the same tactics that were employed in 1971.
Fakhrul also pointed out that the same force opposed the Muslim struggle for self-determination in 1947. “I want to make this clear — this force opposed the Pakistan Movement in 1947 and opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971,” he said.
He noted that this force has now changed its appearance, attempting to present itself as capable of building a “new Bangladesh.” However, Fakhrul made it clear, “The people of Bangladesh cannot trust them. Those who denied our birth and independence cannot be trusted by those of us who fought in the Liberation War.”
Fakhrul further stated that the nation had recently fought to restore democracy, driving out fascist forces through a student-led mass uprising. “But that does not mean we will allow another fascist force to take over,” he said.
“Any force that wants to push Bangladesh backward must not be allowed to rise again.”
He accused defeated fascist forces of trying to destabilize the country. “These fascists could not accept their defeat and fled the country. From there, they continue to conspire. They have learned nothing, even after facing such consequences,” Fakhrul remarked.
Referring to recent gun attacks on Inqilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman bin Hadi in Dhaka and BNP leader Ershad Ullah in Chattogram, Fakhrul stated that such acts were part of an attempt to destabilize the country. “But we know the people of Bangladesh will never allow these conspiracies to succeed,” he concluded.
