Staff Reporter:
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the enemies of Bangladesh’s independence are trying to raise their heads again.
He made the remark after laying a floral wreath at the grave of the party’s founder, the martyred President Ziaur Rahman, in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Tuesday (16 December) morning.
“Those who opposed independence in 1971 are attempting to assert themselves once more,” Fakhrul said. “But the people of Bangladesh, who believe in freedom, independence and democracy, will thwart all such conspiracies, safeguard our sovereignty, and establish democracy, Insha’Allah.”
Fakhrul highlighted the significance of 16 December, marking the ultimate victory of the Liberation War that began with Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence. “This day is of immense importance to us and to the BNP. We have paid our tributes at Zia’s grave and reaffirmed our commitment to protect independence and strengthen democracy in Bangladesh.”
On the occasion, he also sought prayers for the recovery of Begum Khaleda Zia, the country’s first female freedom fighter and tireless guardian of democracy, who is seriously ill right now.
The event saw BNP Standing Committee members, central leaders, and representatives of affiliated organisations — including the Freedom Fighters’ Wing, Jubo Dal, Mahila Dal, Krishak Dal, and Chhatra Dal — offering floral tributes at Ziaur Rahman’s grave.
Party activists also gathered from early morning, chanting slogans such as, “Salute to Zia, the declarer of independence,” and “We brought independence, we will protect it.”
Fakhrul further noted, “Our leader, Tarique Rahman, remains in exile abroad. We hope for his return on 25 December, which will strengthen the ongoing struggle for democracy.”
Earlier around 8:30 am, under the leadership of the BNP secretary general, several thousand party members laid wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar, honouring the nation’s heroic freedom fighters.
