Tarique urges parties not to betray martyrs' sacrifices

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged all political parties not to betray the blood of the martyrs of the Uprising by pursuing narrow political gains through cunning tactics aimed at disrupting the national election, reports UNB. "From my position, I would like to make a humble appeal to those who are taking advantage of the situation and using various deceitful tactics to maintain their influence over the state and government, instead of working to uphold the rights of people-please, do not betray the blood of the martyrs," he said while virtually addressing a discussion.

The Bangladesh Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, to honour the families of martyrs and professionals who suffered torture during the struggle to restore democracy.

Tarique alleged that certain quarters, by putting a gun to the interim government's neck, want to keep their hold on power, influence the government and secure their own benefits through various means.

"They are tactfully creating obstacles towards holding the national election. This is now gradually coming to light, and people from all walks of life are beginning to speak out about it."

The BNP leader said the credit for the mass uprising does not belong to any single group or political party, as people from all backgrounds sacrificed their lives for a democratic Bangladesh.

"They took part in the uprising to establish their rights. Let us not forget the sacrifices of all the martyrs of the mass uprising amid the ongoing political calculations and or political polarisation," he said.

Tarique also said while new demands continue to emerge every day, the nation must not lose sight of the martyrs' sacrifices amid fresh political developments.

"The rulers may have changed, but the nature of governance seems to have stayed the same. If such a perception takes hold among the people, it will cause a serious crisis in the process of institutionalising democracy," he warned."That is why I want to say again and again that it is now time for us to repay the debt we owe to the brave sons of the nation who gave their lives to free the country from fascism," the BNP leader said.

At the start of his speech, he expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) training aircraft at Milestone School and College in the capital's Diabari area.

Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said that after the country's independence in 1971, all people embraced freedom.

"We do not want any division here. The narrative of who was for or against independence was created by the Awami League," he said.

The BNP leader made the remarks on Sunday at an event titled "Sphulingo Theke Dabanol: Ovyutthaner Ojana Oddhay'", organised by Adarsha Publication at the TSC Auditorium of Dhaka University.

Salahuddin said, "They are the ones who have remained outside by arranging the forces of pro- and anti-independence. Will we use the same political weapon?"

He said, "We want a united Bangladesh. And what is that unity? That unity is the anti-fascist national unity of the student masses' uprising of July 24. That unity is our national strength. And by utilizing that unity, we will build a democratic Bangladesh in the days ahead."