On the morning of Bangladesh’s Victory Day, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir delivered a politically charged message, warning that anti-independence elements were attempting to regain influence in the country. His comments, made after paying tribute at the mausoleum of former President Ziaur Rahman, reflected deep concern over what he described as an ongoing struggle between democratic forces and those opposed to the ideals of the Liberation War.
Mirza Fakhrul told reporters that history had repeatedly shown how forces hostile to Bangladesh’s independence sought to exploit political instability. He argued that such groups had never fully accepted the country’s emergence as a sovereign state and were now attempting to reappear under new guises. According to him, this development made it imperative for pro-independence citizens to remain vigilant and united.
The BNP leader placed strong emphasis on the connection between democracy and independence, stating that weakening democratic institutions inevitably opened space for anti-independence agendas. In his view, safeguarding sovereignty required not only remembering the sacrifices of 1971 but also ensuring a functioning democratic system that respected public will.
Victory Day, Mirza Fakhrul said, was a reminder of how the nation achieved freedom through immense sacrifice and unity. He highlighted Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence as a defining moment that galvanised the Liberation War and ultimately led to victory on 16 December. That historical legacy, he added, imposed a responsibility on contemporary political leaders to protect the nation’s independence from both internal and external threats.
At the mausoleum, BNP leaders took an oath to continue their political struggle to preserve independence and democracy. Mirza Fakhrul explained that this commitment was not symbolic but deeply political, reflecting the party’s belief that the current situation demanded renewed activism.
He also addressed the health of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, offering prayers for her recovery. Describing her as a pioneering woman freedom fighter and a steadfast defender of democratic values, he said her well-being remained a matter of national concern for those committed to democracy.
On behalf of Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Mirza Fakhrul paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War and to Ziaur Rahman. He expressed optimism that Tarique Rahman’s planned return to Bangladesh later in December would strengthen the democratic movement and re-energise party activists.
The presence of senior BNP leaders at the ceremony underscored the political significance of the occasion. Observers noted that the Victory Day remarks were not merely ceremonial but reflected a broader attempt by the BNP to frame contemporary politics through the lens of the Liberation War and democratic legitimacy.