Abdul Kader Siddique, president of the Krishak Sramik Janata League, said on Monday that burning the Bangabandhu Museum at Dhanmondi 32 signified a shocking act of barbarity.
"Just as Hulagu Khan and Genghis Khan set fire to destroy Egyptian civilization, burning the Bangabandhu Museum is the gravest injustice," Kader Siddique remarked in response to questions from journalists while paying respects at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar to mark Victory Day.
He said: "We often attempt to distort history. Those in power at any given time try to portray themselves as the heroes of history, but that is far from the truth. I will say one thing: independence must be valued, the brave soldiers of freedom must be respected, the martyrs must be honoured, and the leaders of liberation must be acknowledged.
"Bangladesh's independence was born from the rejection of the election verdict. The people of Bangladesh built this country to exercise their right to vote, but that has been repeatedly undermined and disrupted. The dissatisfaction of the people was evident through the success of the anti-discrimination movements, beginning with the protests against the inequality of 1974. If elections are not held promptly, reflecting the will of the people, discontent will grow."
The politician continued: "Independence is born only once. Just as birth is followed by death, so too is freedom. However, victories can be achieved repeatedly through significant accomplishments. In July and August of 2024, the nation truly witnessed a historic triumph. This country belongs to its people, but it has not been governed according to their aspirations. Consequently, public unrest has driven the success of the anti-discrimination movement."
