BNP committed to realising ideals of Liberation War under Tarique Rahman’s leadership: Moyeen Khan

Abdul Moyeen Khan, a BNP Standing Committee member and Member of Parliament, on Thursday said the party is committed to implementing the ideals of the Liberation War under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.

He made the remarks while addressing a discussion in Palash upazila of Narsingdi marking the 55th Independence Day, organised by local BNP and its associate bodies.

Moyeen Khan said BNP would work to realise the ideals of the Liberation War within a short time after achieving a decisive victory in the 12 February election under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

He said that BNP was founded by the great proclaimer of independence, Ziaur Rahman. Therefore, he emphasised, BNP remains the most reliable force in upholding the spirit of independence and nationalism.

“BNP has always played an uncompromising role in safeguarding the country’s independence, sovereignty and democracy, and will continue to do so in the future,” he said.

He noted that even after five decades of independence, Bangladesh has yet to fully achieve the core ideals of the Liberation War -- equality, human dignity and social justice -- saying the dream of a discrimination-free society remains largely unfulfilled.

Criticising past governments, Moyeen Khan alleged that leadership at different times failed to uphold democratic values. However, he said, people have repeatedly stood up against injustice and played a vital role in restoring democracy and justice.

He said the primary goal of the Liberation War was to eliminate injustice and inequality and establish a democratic, just state, but this goal had been hindered at different stages of history.

Referring to political developments, he mentioned the introduction of one-party rule between 1972 and 1975 and military rule in 1982, saying these steps weakened democratic institutions.

He also criticised the period from 2008 to 2024, alleging that authoritarian rule during that time curtailed fundamental rights and deepened inequalities in society.

The BNP leader said different forms of inequality still persist in the country, including disparities between rich and poor, powerful and ordinary people, regions, and men and women. He particularly pointed out that people living in hilly, coastal, and remote areas are still deprived of equal opportunities.