BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said despite years of what he described as propaganda and narratives against former President Ziaur Rahman, his place in public memory and history remains intact, reports UNB
He made the remarks while speaking at a prayer meeting and discussion at Basabo Buddhist Temple in the capital on Tuesday, marking the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman.
Fakhrul said many young people never had the opportunity to see Ziaur Rahman and have mainly come to know about him through negative narratives circulated over the past 15-16 years.
He was subjected to many allegations, including being labeled a Pakistani agent. However, despite these efforts, his legacy could not be diminished, nor could he be erased from people's hearts or from history, he said.
Drawing a comparison with former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, Fakhrul recalled Castro's statement during his trial: "Condemn me, it does not matter, history will absolve me." He added that, in a similar way, history has recognised Ziaur Rahman's contribution to Bangladesh.
He said Ziaur Rahman envisioned a "rainbow state" where people of all religions and beliefs --Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, believers and non-believers alike --could live together in harmony and contribute to nation-building
Fakhrul said Bangladesh lost one of its most promising leaders with Ziaur Rahman's death, adding that the country could have advanced much further had he remained alive.
Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Fakhrul said the BNP leader has inherited the legacy of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia and has already launched a number of initiatives following his assumption of office.
He expressed optimism about the upcoming national budget, saying it could include measures aimed at building a new Bangladesh.
Thanking members of the Buddhist community for their support and hospitality, Fakhrul reiterated BNP's commitment to building a non-communal and inclusive Bangladesh.
He warned against attempts by certain groups to create divisions in society in the name of religion and said communal politics must not be allowed to undermine national unity.
Fakhrul said Bangladesh's independence was achieved through the collective sacrifices of people from all religious communities and that the spirit of 1971 remains central to the country's identity.
He said BNP believes in liberal democracy, elections, freedom of expression, media freedom, judicial independence and the protection of the rights of all religious communities.
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