The BNP on Wednesday paid tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War and party founder Ziaur Rahman, marking the 55th Independence Day, calling for upholding the dignity of the Liberation War.
Party leaders and activists, led by Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas, placed a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar in the morning to honour the martyrs.
BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council Member Aman Ullah Aman, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Dhaka District BNP President Khandaker Abu Ashfaq, General Secretary Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Organising Secretary Irfan Ibne Aman, Dhaka District Jubo Dal President Yasin Ferdous Murad, and others were also present.
Later, speaking to reporters, Mirza Abbas said there is no such thing as a "second independence", adding that those who talk about it have an intention to undermine the historic Liberation War of 1971.
“Just a few days ago, in July-August, we experienced a new wave by driving out the autocracy through a student-led mass uprising. Many claim this to be the second independence. In reality, today’s Independence Day proves that there is no such thing as the second independence in Bangladesh,” he said.
He urged those advocating such views to exercise restraint and show respect for Independence Day.
Later, Fakhrul and Mirza Abbas, along with thousands of leaders and activists, went Zia’s grave to pay homage to the party founder, whom they regard as the proclaimer of the Liberation War.
After laying the wreath, they also offered Fateha, praying for the salvation of Zia’s departed soul.
Leaders and activists from BNP’s Dhaka South and North city units, along with various associated bodies, including Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, Muktijoddah Dal, and Mohila Dak, separately placed wreaths at Zia’s grave.
On behalf of BNP Chairperson and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Fakhrul extended greetings and congratulations to the entire nation. “We also express our hope that, very soon, we will regain the democracy we desire," he said.
The BNP Secretary General paid tributes to those who sacrificed their lives for the country under the leadership of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, whom he described as the proclaimer of the 1971 Liberation War.
"Millions of people sacrificed their lives for this independence, countless mothers and sisters lost their honour, millions lost their loved ones, and through innumerable sacrifices and hardships, we achieved this freedom," he said.