Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed on Saturday said the 1971 Liberation War was a genuine people’s war in which people from all walks of life took part, describing the East Bengal Regiment as a leading force in the armed resistance against Pakistani rule.

“The East Bengal Regiment is a glorious name in the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. If the regiment had not started resistance against Pakistan, this country would still have been Pakistan,” he said.

The Speaker was addressing a reunion of retired members of the 1 East Bengal Regiment, known as the Senior Tigers, at SKS Tower in Dhaka as the chief guest.

Hafiz Uddin said the East Bengal Regiment was formed in 1948 and received the highest number of gallantry awards for its contributions during the 1965 India-Pakistan war and the 1971 Liberation War.

He said the regiment was the first to launch an armed resistance against Pakistani domination, playing a leading role in the struggle to preserve the existence of the Bengali nation.

“The Liberation War was a true people’s war, a war of the nation. Those who did not witness the 1971 war have not seen the glorious history of this nation,” he said, adding that people from all professions and social classes had participated in the war.

Recalling the experiences of soldiers of the East Bengal Regiment, the Speaker said their lives were filled with extraordinary experiences, as they faced the prospect of victory and the threat of death at every moment.

He said the 1 East Bengal Regiment was the first to revolt against the Pakistani occupation forces, while Major Ziaur Rahman, whom he described as the architect of the country’s independence, made the declaration of independence.

Hafiz Uddin also recalled his own days with the 1 East Bengal Regiment, becoming emotional as he spoke about his experiences on the battlefield during the Liberation War.

He recounted how he had taken part in frontline battles with courage and patience, becoming part of the nation’s history through his role in the war.

A documentary on the history of the East Bengal Regiment and its role in the Liberation War was screened at the event.

The Senior Tigers presented a crest to the Speaker.

Retired members and officers of the East Bengal Regiment from different parts of the country, distinguished guests and journalists attended the reunion.