Former interim government adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Saturday said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s contribution to Bangladesh’s independence struggle was “undeniable and unparalleled”, describing him as the architect of the country’s independence.

In a Facebook post marking Bangabandhu’s death anniversary, Asif Nazrul said Bangladesh would not have become independent in 1971 if Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had not been born.

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“There are many reasons to show respect and love for Bangabandhu,” he said, adding that he still believes the country would not have achieved independence in 1971 without him.

He said Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s contribution to Bangladesh’s independence and freedom movement from 1948 to 1971 was undeniable and unparalleled.

“He is the architect of our independence,” Asif Nazrul said, adding that Bangabandhu had demonstrated a clear commitment to democracy, economic freedom and political dissent during that period.

He also criticised Bangabandhu’s performance in running the country after independence, saying he was not skilled in governance and faced many difficulties after 1971.

“None of these, however, justify his gradual transformation into an increasingly tyrannical and autocratic ruler since 1972,” he said.

Asif Nazrul said the famine, indiscriminate killings and introduction of one-party rule during Bangabandhu’s tenure could not be overlooked.

Despite “a few years of misrule”, he said many people continued to love and respect Bangabandhu for his lifelong contribution to the country’s freedom struggle.

“I am one of them,” he said.

Asif Nazrul also criticised former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s rule, saying it had made it difficult for people like him to express their admiration for Bangabandhu.

He accused Sheikh Hasina of using her father’s identity to justify what he called an “authoritarian” rule and said this had contributed to turning Bangabandhu into an opponent of the July Uprising.

“Bangabandhu’s second death occurred during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, largely at her hands,” he said.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated along with most members of his family on Aug 15, 1975.

“Love for Bangabandhu. Doa,” Asif Nazrul said in his post.