BNP senior leader Rafiqul Islam Miah on Thursday questioned how Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman could announce the country’s independence through his March 7, 1971 address as he concluded it saying ‘joi Pakistan’.
“Awami League had no political preparation for the Liberation War… Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had concluded his speech saying ‘joi Pakistan’. So, how did he proclaim the independence?’ he said.
The BNP leader posed the question at a discussion quoting a few lines from the newly published book ‘1971 – Bhetore Baire’ by former Awami League minister and Liberation War hero AK Khandaker.
Rafiqul, also a BNP standing committee member, also said the leader who uttered ‘joi Pakistan’ in his address cannot declare Bangladesh’s independence.
Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 7th ‘Jail Release Day’ of BNP senior vice chairman Tarique Rahman.
Tarique, the eldest son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and its chairperson Khaleda Zia, was arrested on March 7, 2007 during the then army-backed interim regime and freed from jail on bail on September 3, 2008. He left for London for treatment eight days later and has been staying there since then.
Rafiqul criticised the ruling party leaders for making indecent remarks against Tarique as he brought some unpleasant facts in the limelight.
He claimed Awami League should accept the truth and apologise to the nation for their previous mistakes. “They should also congratulate Tarique for talking about the issues.”
The BNP leader alleged that the ruling party implicated Tarique in August 21 grenade attack cases as part of their plot to keep him away from politics.
Describing Tarique as the most popular leader of Bangladesh, he said there are too much of discussions over Traique now in the country which indicates how much popular he is.
Rafiqul said they will ensure Tarique’s safe homecoming by waging a strong movement.
The former minister alleged that the government is conspiring to annihilate BNP by implicating its leaders and activists in ‘false’ cases.
Accusing the government of resorting to repressive acts and terrorism to subdue opposition, he warned that it will not be possible to destroy BNP by repressing its leaders and activists and sending them to jail in ‘false’ cases.
BNP vice chairman Abdullah Al Noman said Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had not pronounced the independence though the country’s people were ready for the Liberation War.
“Awami League wasn’t ready for the proclamation of the independence. AK Khandaker clearly mentioned in his book that Awami League unfortunately hadn’t played its due role at that time.”
Source: UNB
