BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on citizens to defend the memory of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War and resist attempts to erase its history.
Speaking at a Janmashtami celebration in Dhaka on Thursday, he described the war as the foundation of the nation’s independence and identity.
“Today, I want to remember the martyrs of the 1971 liberation war,” he said. “That year gave me an independent country, a territory, and an identity. Just as July–August 1971 was true, so was the nine-month liberation war. We must unite to protect this legacy.”
Fakhrul also warned that rising extremism could threaten the country’s existence. “If it takes root, the soul and existence of Bangladesh will not be protected,” he said. “No one should engage in divisive politics. To protect and sustain Bangladesh, we must all work together.”
Alongside the call for unity, the BNP leader directed sharp criticism at the ruling Awami League. He accused the government of corruption, saying that “nearly Tk 44 lakh crore has been sent abroad,” and argued that the economy is in serious decline.
He outlined his party’s vision for a secular, inclusive “rainbow state,” echoing the framework presented by acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman. “This is the Bangladesh of the future,” Fakhrul said.
The event, held at the Engineers’ Institution auditorium in Ramna, drew BNP leaders, Hindu community members, and religious figures. Tarique Rahman joined virtually from London, reinforcing his 31-point political charter as the foundation for change.
Advocate Subrata Chowdhury of Gonoforum also addressed the gathering, promising that “no force or conspirator will be allowed to disrupt the election scheduled for next February.” He endorsed Rahman’s plan as a “national charter” for the path ahead.
The speeches balanced religious celebration with political messages, as BNP leaders highlighted the connection between Janmashtami and their vision for a pluralistic, democratic Bangladesh.
