BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday warned that forces opposing Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 are attempting to resurface.
“Those who stood against Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 are now trying to raise their heads again. But the people of Bangladesh who believe in freedom, independence, and democracy will foil all their conspiracies, protect the country’s sovereignty, and establish democracy, Inshallah,” Fakhrul said.
He made the remarks after placing wreaths at the grave of BNP founder and martyred President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, marking Victory Day. Fakhrul emphasized the day’s significance, saying the Liberation War began with Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence and culminated in victory on December 16.
BNP leaders and activists visited the grave, paid respects, and took an oath to continue their struggle for independence and democracy. Fakhrul also paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War on behalf of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
Highlighting the illness of Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Fakhrul called her the first female freedom fighter and a tireless defender of democracy, urging citizens to pray for her recovery. He also noted that Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, currently living abroad, is expected to return on December 25, strengthening the party’s democratic efforts.
Earlier in the morning, BNP leaders, led by Mirza Abbas, laid wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar. At around 9:55am, Fakhrul, along with BNP Standing Committee members, placed wreaths at Ziaur Rahman’s grave and joined a special munajat seeking the late president’s salvation.
Standing Committee members present included Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, and Salahuddin Ahmed. Also in attendance were Chairperson’s Advisory Council Members Amanullah Aman and Abdus Salam, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, and Dhaka city unit leaders.
Later, leaders and activists from BNP’s associate organizations—including Muktijoddha Dal, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Mohila Dal, Krishak Dal, Matsyajibi Dal, Tanty Dal, DAB, and Chhatra Dal—placed wreaths at the grave.
Early in the morning, BNP supporters gathered chanting slogans such as “Zia, the proclaimer of independence, we salute you” and “We achieved independence, we will protect independence.”
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
