A decorated war hero has alleged that he was excluded from official Independence Day observations in Lalmonirhat, expressing deep hurt and asking whether his role in the Liberation War had become a “crime”.
Captain (retd) Azizul Haque, a recipient of the Bir Protik gallantry award and the district’s only living holder of the title, said he did not receive any invitation to this year’s ceremony organised by the district administration on 26 March.
“We achieved Bangladesh in exchange for a sea of blood. I have attended national days every year since 1972, but this is the first time I was not invited. What is my crime? Is it a crime to have fought in the Liberation War?” he said, struggling to hold back tears.
The day’s programme included wreath-laying at the Shaheed Minar, a parade at the district stadium, and the hoisting of the national flag. However, Azizul said he was absent from all events due to not being invited.
He added that his family had questioned why he did not attend, saying he felt ashamed despite being a Bir Protik. “There can be nothing more painful than this,” he said.
The incident has sparked outrage among local political, cultural and civil society figures, many of whom described the incident as disgraceful.
Cultural activist Riazul Haque Sarkar said the war hero had been invited every year since independence and questioned why he was excluded this time. “This is not just a matter of Lalmonirhat; it is a shame for the entire nation,” he said.
Another cultural figure, Marzia, expressed shock, calling it “unbelievable and deeply disappointing” that a decorated living war hero was not invited to a state event.
Some local freedom fighters and members of civil society alleged that the exclusion might reflect a pattern, referring to a previous incident in which a Liberation War memorial plaque at the site was reportedly covered.
Cultural activists including Rawana Marzia, Sufi Mohammad and Supon Dutta also condemned the alleged omission.
Earlier in the day, Deputy Commissioner HM Rakib Haidar and Superintendent of Police Asaduzzaman placed wreaths at the Lalmonirhat Central Memorial and later took the salute at the parade held at the district stadium. Members of police, Ansar, Rover Scouts and students from educational institutions participated in the parade, but the veteran frontline fighter was not seen among attendees.
Contacted multiple times by phone, the deputy commissioner did not respond. However, in a WhatsApp message, he said: “He definitely received the invitation.”
