Independence and sovereignty gained in 1971 have been protected again in 24: Tarique Rahman

Commenting that the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh, gained in exchange for blood in 1971, have been protected again through the mass uprising of 2024, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said that if BNP comes to power in the upcoming 13th national election, a separate department will be opened under the Liberation War Ministry for the martyred and injured fighters of the July Movement. He made this announcement at a view-exchange meeting with the family members of the martyred and injured fighters of the July Movement at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Khamarbari in the capital on Sunday (January 18).

At the view-exchange meeting, Tarique Rahman said that BNP had established the Liberation War Ministry when it was in charge of running the state in the past, through which the martyred and injured freedom fighters of 1971 and their families were taken care of. In light of that experience, BNP has now decided that if it comes to power, a separate department will be formed under the same ministry for the families of the fighters, martyrs and injured who participated in the 2024 mass uprising. Through this department, various problems of their lives, facilities and welfare issues will be taken care of by the state.

Tarique Rahman further said that it is not possible to bring back those who gave their lives. However, it is the responsibility of the state to alleviate the suffering of those who remained behind - wives, children, parents and relatives at least to some extent. The fighters of the July Movement are also freedom fighters in the true sense, because they fought to protect the independence and sovereignty of the country. That is why they will be brought under the Ministry of Liberation War and given state recognition.

He said that in 1971, the freedom fighters liberated the country by sacrificing their lives. And those who took to the streets in 2024 fought to protect the independence and sovereignty they had achieved. Independence was achieved in 1971, and that independence was defended again in 2024. To honor this historical reality, a plan has been taken to form a new department within the Ministry of Liberation War.

BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and other top leaders of the party were present at the event. At that time, Tarique Rahman's wife Dr. Zobaida Rahman also participated in the meeting. Family members of the martyrs and injured in the July Movement shared their experiences, hardships and expectations. The meeting was held in an emotional atmosphere and everyone present called this initiative historic and timely.