Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Friday called for preserving the authentic history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and ensuring due recognition of the nation’s heroes.
“Those who remain stuck only in the past lose one eye, but those who forget the past lose both,” Tarique Rahman said, stressing that history should not be used as a political tool but explored through research to uncover the truth.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) marking Independence and National Day at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium in Ramna.
Highlighting the significance of an article titled Ekti Jatir Jonmo written by late president Ziaur Rahman, Tarique said the piece, published on March 26, 1972, serves as an important historical document of the Liberation War. He noted that it describes the events surrounding the declaration of independence in the early hours of March 26, 1971, including the circumstances that led to it.
“This document can help settle many long-standing debates about the historical narrative of the Liberation War,” he said, urging researchers and commentators to approach history responsibly and avoid interpretations that could undermine the nation’s proud past.
Describing the Liberation War as a “people’s war,” Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971 through the sacrifice of millions. Referring to recent events in 2024, he added that the country’s freedom and people’s rights were defended through further sacrifices. Drawing a parallel with the struggles of the Palestinian people, he said those living under occupation understand the true value of freedom.
The prime minister emphasized that the aspirations of the martyrs of both 1971 and 2024 were for a state based on equality, human dignity, and social justice. Despite limited resources, he said, the government remains committed to building a democratic and secure Bangladesh that reflects those ideals.
Highlighting ongoing initiatives, he mentioned the introduction of family cards and farmer cards to support marginalized communities, as well as canal excavation programs aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity and self-reliance. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding social safety measures to ensure inclusive development.
Concluding his speech, Tarique urged citizens to work in unity to build a self-reliant and sovereign Bangladesh. “We want a society where not just one group, but everyone can live well together,” he said.
The discussion was presided over by BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Other speakers included party standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, Water Resources Minister Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Annie, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, economist and political analyst Mahbub Ullah, and Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor ABM Obaidul Islam. The program was conducted by State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku.
Senior BNP leaders, freedom fighters, and members of various professions attended the discussion.