BNP Standing Committee member and former minister Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said that the revolution was not solely due to the students' movement.
He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled "What freedom fighters should do in the current political context," organized by the Jatiotabadi Muktijoddha Dal at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Sunday.
He emphasized that the BNP has been protesting for 17 years, and it is due to their ongoing efforts that Sheikh Hasina’s dictatorship has faltered.
"I urge everyone to remember this," he said.
Hafiz Uddin said the interim government should have formed a proper election commission, but they failed to do so.
"No roadmap was provided. They only formed six reform commissions," he said, adding that the corrupt officials and police officers within the Awami League should not have been sheltered in the cantonment.
The BNP leader remarked that only a people's government can implement the spirit of 1971. He said elected representatives are sufficient for necessary reforms.
"The interim government can only make proposals. We will monitor how the government implements reforms," he added, emphasizing that this government belongs to everyone, not just students.
He expressed his desire to see the spirit of the August Revolution reflected in the country’s governance and warned against any attempts to distort its history.
Addressing the interim government, he said many view them as weak, which is why Ansar allegedly conspired with the army for a counter-revolution.
"Engage with everyone to prove that you are not weak, and seek help from freedom fighters," Hafiz suggested.
The former minister also highlighted the issue of corruption, describing it as a disease affecting everyone. "We need to take strong action against it, and we can learn from our neighbouring country, India. In India, if the prime minister or president is found guilty of corruption, they can be removed from power and jailed. We must establish similar institutional reforms," he said, calling for a strengthened Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
He suggested that the ACC chairman should be appointed by the leader of the parliament, the leader of the opposition, and the chief justice, as is done in India.
Addressing the chief advisor, Hafiz Uddin said Dr Yunus is a freedom fighter who advocated for the American Revolutionary War and that students should consult with all parties before making decisions.
On the issue of unrest in the hill tracts, Hafiz said the people there are simple and that there is a conspiracy to mislead them. "Peace was established in the hills due to the strong actions of martyred President Ziaur Rahman," he added, urging neighbouring India not to provoke the situation by supplying weapons and training.
He warned that all people of Bangladesh are ready for war if necessary.
He further mentioned that, if the BNP comes to power, military training will be made mandatory for all 18-year-olds, with special training provided to students. "This is common in many countries, where every citizen undergoes one to two years of military training," Hafiz added.
