Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday alleged that the previous Awami League government created false narratives and documents regarding Bangladesh’s independence over a long period for political purposes.
He made the remarks as a special guest at a discussion organized by the BNP at the Institution of Engineers, Dhaka auditorium, marking Independence and National Day.
The event was presided over by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended as the chief guest.
Salahuddin Ahmed said that when Pakistan occupation forces carried out mass killings at Rajarbagh and other areas on the night of March 25, Major Ziaur Rahman declared rebellion from Chittagong and called for independence.
He said Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence is recognized worldwide.
He further alleged that Awami League supporters had long attempted to distort history and attribute all contributions to their leader. “But history moves in its own way,” he said.
Salahuddin Ahmed added that Ziaur Rahman’s declaration, which he described as documented, marked the beginning of the Liberation War. He claimed that the Awami League had denied him due credit, while the BNP seeks to recognize everyone’s contributions without taking away anyone’s honour.
Speaking about the July uprising, he said autocracy had fallen in the face of the student-public movement, but the state had yet to be rebuilt. He said the uprising had freed the country from autocracy and that the current task was to build a modern and democratic state.
He added that the government was working to move the country forward through parliamentary politics and dialogue.
He also highlighted the BNP’s role in various movements and struggles.