Dhaka, Aug 05 (V7N) – BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman delivered a powerful video message on the occasion of People's Uprising Day, drawing a historic parallel between Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War and the events of 2024, calling the latter a "war to protect independence."

Key Highlights from Tarique Rahman’s Message:

  • Historical Comparison:

    • “1971 was a war to achieve independence; 2024 was a war to protect that independence.”

    • He called August 5, 2024, the day when the "fascist regime fled," a day of joy and victory for democracy-loving citizens.

  • Allegations Against Former Regime:

    • Claimed the previous authoritarian government built secret prisons (“mirrors”) to detain dissidents and silence pro-democracy voices.

    • Referenced the long-missing Ilyas Ali and Chowdhury Alam as victims of that repression.

    • Accused the regime of money laundering, stating 28 lakh crore taka was siphoned out of the country.

    • Blamed them for bankrupting banks and establishing lawlessness, corruption, and individual rule.

  • Events of August 5, 2024:

    • Described how, on that day:

      • Fascists fled from Ganabhaban

      • MPs fled from Parliament

      • Chief Justice fled the court

      • Chief Khatib fled Baitul Mukarram

      • Ministers abandoned the cabinet

      • Allies of the fascist regime went into hiding

  • On the Interim Government:

    • Defended the current interim government, saying it is working toward establishing a people-accountable democratic system.

    • Criticized attempts to compare the interim government’s flaws with the brutality of the ousted regime, calling such comparisons morally bankrupt.

  • Call for Democratic Practice:

    • Urged all political parties to participate in politics based on issues and ideology, not violence or radicalism.

    • Emphasized the beauty of democracy lies in difference of opinion, not in disputes that fuel the rise of extremism.

  • Message to the Nation:

    • Called for continued national unity against fascism.

    • Stated that democracy must be protected, and Bangladesh will not be allowed to become a subservient state again.

    • Reaffirmed that true power will only come when people can freely elect their representatives, from local government to parliament.

Tarique Rahman’s message reflects BNP’s continued efforts to position the July 2024 uprising as a landmark moment in Bangladesh’s political history, emphasizing that the current chapter is one of democratic revival and public empowerment.

END/RH/AJ