A group has been busy mocking the Liberation War and the national anthem, following the overthrow of a dictator in the student-led uprising. Forty-eight eminent citizens have condemned this action.
Association for Land Reform and Development Executive Director Shamsul Huda issued a joint press statement in this regard.
"We note with deep concern and anger that a communal group motivated by ulterior political motives has launched a campaign designed to show an audacity to question the 1971 Liberation War and even the national anthem," the statement said.
The statement was signed by Emeritus Prof Serajul Islam Choudhury, human rights activist Sultana Kamal, social activist Khushi Kabir, Prof Anu Mohammad, educationist Rasheda K Chowdhury, senior lawyer ZI Khan Panna, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman, senior lawyer Subrata Chowdhury, and eminent photographer Shahidul Alam.
Amaan Azmi urges changing national anthem, constitution of BangladeshThey said everyone should remember that in 1971, lakhs of citizens from all walks of life, including youth, students, farmers, workers, and the armed forces, sacrificed their lives in a nine-month struggle to free Bangladesh.
"This history has been remembered by generations and will continue to be. No one has the right to ask people to forget or diminish it," said the statement, referring to remarks by Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman.
Just a few days ago, the Jamaat amir advised the nation to forget everything from the past, said the citizens, adding it can be assumed that by "the past," he means the history of the Liberation War and his party's role at that time.
By singing the national anthem "Amar Sonar Bangla," freedom fighters took an oath to fight, and many sacrificed their lives or were physically crippled. The anthem was a constant source of motivation for countless fighters, said the statement.
"Thus, the anthem was re-established as the anthem of our lives through the blood of lakhs of martyrs. Questioning it means questioning the Liberation War. The people of this country, regardless of party affiliation, will not accept it," it added.
Responding to former brigadier general Abdullahil Amaan Azmi's demand for changes to the constitution and the national anthem in a statement made during a press conference on 3 September, the signatories to the statement said: "We strongly condemn and protest his targeted, communal, and arrogant remarks."
