Liberation war is our existence, Jamaat does not believe in independence: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said the Liberation War is the very basis of Bangladesh’s existence, while Jamaat-e-Islami does not believe in the country’s independence.

Addressing an election street rally at the Bosbhanga Kalitala Temple premises in Begunbari Union of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila, he alleged that Jamaat leaders had collaborated with the Pakistan army while freedom fighters were fighting and sacrificing their lives during the 1971 Liberation War.

Mirza Fakhrul said the fundamental difference between BNP and Jamaat lies in their stance on independence. “Our politics begins with Bangladesh’s independence. BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman declared the Liberation War and led the struggle,” he said.

He added that the Liberation War is BNP’s identity and lifeblood, stating that references to the past cannot be ignored as history forms the foundation of the nation.

Calling for unity, the BNP leader said people of all religions – Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians – had fought together for independence and must stand united again, as a political force that does not believe in the country’s independence is now active.

He also criticised Jamaat for not apologising for killings committed during the Liberation War.

Mirza Fakhrul said he could not visit Thakurgaon frequently due to his responsibilities in keeping the political parties united nationwide. He also said he had faced 117 cases and spent more than three and a half years in jail on 11 occasions in the struggle for free and fair elections.

Expressing optimism about the upcoming polls, he said the election would be held peacefully and voters would be able to cast their ballots without fear, noting that members of the three security forces would be deployed during voting.

Thakurgaon Sadar upazila BNP President Abdul Hamid and leaders and activists of the party and its affiliated organisations were present at the rally.