How Bangabandhu could proclaim independence saying \\\'joi Pakistan\\\'

FE Team | Published: September 05, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

BNP senior leader Rafiqul Islam Miah questioned on Thursday how Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman could announce the country's independence through his March 7, 1971 address as he concluded it saying 'joi Pakistan', reports UNB.
"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 (AL) 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 AL should accept the truth and apologise to the nation for their previous mistakes. "They should also congratulate Tarique for talking about the issues."
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."
Another report adds: BNP's Dhaka city unit convener Mirza Abbas on Thursday said they will carry out a peaceful movement for realizing people's voting rights instead of falling into the government's provocation trap.
"We won't fall into the instigation trap of the government. We'll force this regime to hold an acceptable election for establishing people's voting rights by carrying out our movement in a peaceful manner," he told a discussion.