Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today underscored the importance of preserving the spirit of the Liberation War, saying the new generation must draw inspiration from the historic struggle for independence, reports BSS.
“None of us is permanent. But the inspiration of the Liberation War must endure for future generations so that they understand where the country came from and how the struggle for independence was carried out,” he said.
Noting that history is not static, Prof Yunus said the Liberation War was not the last struggle the nation would face. “There will be more wars ahead. The spirit of our Liberation War must remain a source of inspiration from generation to generation,” he added.
The Chief Adviser made the remarks at a meeting with leaders and members of the Jatio Muktijoddha Council (Jamuka), Bangladesh Freedom Fighter Welfare Trust (BFFWT) and Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad (BMS) at the State Guest House Jamuna.
Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, was present at the meeting, according to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.
Prof Yunus said that immediately after assuming office, the interim government prioritised identifying genuine freedom fighters and taking steps to eliminate fake ones.
“The people of Bangladesh hold freedom fighters in the highest respect. But in the past, some exploited that respect for personal gain. We must ensure this does not happen again,” he said.
Criticising the politicisation of Liberation War-related institutions, he said they had been reduced to “puppets” and stressed that the government’s effort was to restore them as independent, credible institutions.
Calling the documentation of history a sacred responsibility, Prof Yunus said freedom fighters may not be present forever, but their memories must be preserved through planned and thoughtful initiatives so that the Liberation War remains immortal in the national consciousness.
Speaking at the meeting, Faruk E Azam said the previous government had misused Liberation War rhetoric, creating divisions and depriving genuine freedom fighters. “We are now working to clean up the system and restore their lost dignity,” he said.
BMS Central Command Council Convener Nayeem Jahangir and freedom fighter Captain (Retd) Nurul Huda also addressed the meeting.
The freedom fighters thanked Prof Yunus for leading reforms and arranging a referendum. They said implementation of the July Charter and a “Yes” vote would prevent the return of fascism and ensure accountable governance, while a “No” vote would be detrimental to the country.
Responding, Prof Yunus said Bangladesh is at a crucial juncture ahead of elections, with a rare opportunity for constitutional reform through a referendum. “Without reform and change, we would remain stuck in the same place,” he said.
Freedom fighters expressed regret that over the past 16 years their honour had eroded, forcing many to hesitate before identifying themselves. They welcomed recent steps to remove confusion surrounding the status of genuine freedom fighters.
Drawing a parallel between generations, Captain (Retd) Nurul Huda said youths who led the July 2024 mass uprising were successors to the freedom fighters of 1971. “Attempts to pit 1971 against 2024 must be resisted,” he said.
Leaders of the three organisations said their primary goal is to pass on the Liberation War’s history to younger generations. They informed the meeting that gazettes of fake freedom fighters have been cancelled, trust assets are being audited and a roadmap is being prepared for future leadership.
Prof Yunus urged freedom fighters to remain vigilant and stressed that organisational assets must be used to preserve the Liberation War’s memory and ensure lasting national welfare.
“The government will play its part, but citizens must also fulfil their responsibilities,” he said, adding that although his role in government is temporary, he will continue to serve the country as a citizen.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
