Tarique Rahman Statement On Liberation War | ‘Without the Liberation War, Bangladesh would not exist’

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman today said Bangladesh would not exist without the Liberation War of 1971.

He made the remark during a meeting with the left-leaning alliance Democratic United Front at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka. The meeting was confirmed by Bazlur Rashid Firoz, general secretary of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh and a central leader of the Front.

During the discussion, Tarique Rahman reiterated his vision of building a liberal, democratic welfare state in the country.

The meeting, held in the morning, was convened primarily to express condolences to the family of the late former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Leaders of both sides also exchanged views on the country’s overall political situation, the prevailing law-and-order conditions, and a range of issues related to the upcoming national election.

Bazlur Rashid Firoz said, “Our main purpose was to express our condolence. He [Tarique] had been abroad for a long time, and upon return, the family suffered this loss. We are here to convey our sympathy.”

The Democratic United Front delegation also included CPB Presidium member Mujahidul Islam Selim, its President Kazi Sajjad Jahir Chandan, General Secretary Abdullah Al Kafi Ratan, BASD Assistant General Secretary Rajequzzaman Ratan, JASAD General Secretary Nazmul Haque Prodhan and its Standing Committee member Mostaq Hossain, Bangladesh Socialist Party Executive President Abdul Ali, Democratic Revolutionary Party General Secretary Mushrefa Mishu, Bangladesh Revolutionary Communist League General Secretary Iqbal Kabir Zahid, Presidium Member Professor Abdus Sattar and BASD (Marxist) Coordinator Masud Rana.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was also present at the meeting.

Earlier, on November 29, nine left-leaning liberal political parties formed the Democratic United Front with Bangladesh Jasad ahead of the election.

‘1971 is our foundation’

Bazlur said Tarique told them that the Liberation War of 1971 is the foundation of Bangladesh.

“He [Tarique] told us that after returning to the country on December 25, he made it clear in his speeches that the Liberation War is our foundation. Without the Liberation War, Bangladesh would not exist. We must move forward while upholding the aspirations of the mass uprisings of 1990 and 2024,” the BASD leader said.

“Tarique Rahman said they have a plan to build a liberal, democratic and welfare-oriented state and want to work in that direction, learning from the past. People will remain at the centre of their politics,” he added.

He said Tarique also told them that opposition parties would exist and differences of opinion would remain.

“He said there may be disagreements on many issues, but on national matters and issues affecting the people, there should be dialogue,” Bazlur said.

Regarding Jamaat-e-Islami’s recent statements on a national government, he said Tarique clarified that no such discussion took place with them.

‘Criticism will remain’

Bazlur said the Democratic United Front leaders told Tarique that if BNP comes to power in the future, they may be among the government’s strongest critics.

“He [Tarique] said criticism is essential for democracy. Without criticism, democracy cannot function. There will be both criticism and dialogue, and such discussions should continue with everyone,” he said.

Later, a four-member delegation of Ganosamhati Andolan, led by its Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, also met Tarique and discussed various issues related to politics and the upcoming election.