BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir commented that the killing of intellectuals in 1971 was a deliberate conspiracy orchestrated by anti-independence forces.
He made these remark during a discussion on Martyred Intellectuals Day, held on Sunday at the Engineer’s Institute of Bangladesh in Ramna, organised by BNP.
Fakhrul stated, “The day before our independence on 16 December, a well-planned conspiracy was executed to make the nation intellectually void, which was part of a larger plot.”
The BNP leader explained that the day holds significant weight for the nation as it represents the calculated efforts to destroy the intellectual backbone of the nation.
He emphasised that despite numerous conspiracies and attacks over the years, Bangladesh’s people and BNP have continued to break these plots and move forward. “BNP has played a major role in this resistance,” he added.
Fakhrul went on highlight that the same destructive policies continued under the Awami League’s rule for the past 15 to 16 years.
“Our education, health, and economic systems have been systematically destroyed,” he said, urging unity against these conspiracies.
He also spoke about the recent attempt on the life of Sharif Osman Hadi, saying, “Just when the election schedule was announced, the attempt to assassinate Hadi, who had stood up against the fascists, was made.
“This is a clear example of how the conspirators want to instill fear again after 15 years of terror under the Awami League.”
Fakhrul emphasised that while there may be conspiracies and plots from all sides, BNP will stand tall and continue its fight for democracy.
“We believe in democracy and are committed to its establishment. Victory is within our reach,” he said.
He reminded the audience of the sacrifices made by BNP, including the 60 million frivolous cases, 20,000 deaths, and 17 missing leaders, including Elias Ali.
BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas added, “The recent shooting incident is the work of a notorious group. This group will never let Bangladesh live in peace, but BNP will fight against every act of violence.”
The discussion was chaired by Mirza Fakhrul and moderated by Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, BNP’s publicity secretary.
Other speakers included Abdul Moin Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Salah Uddin Ahmed, Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Abdus Salam, and Youth Wing President Abdul Monayem Munna.
