State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain on Thursday called for politics based on principles and ideology, stressing that those entrusted with running the state must ensure that power does not become a means of injustice, torture or oppression.

“Power must not become a source of injustice, torture or oppression against anyone while we are entrusted with running the state,” he said.

Ishraque made the remarks at a programme titled “Come, Warriors of the Generation, Let Us Know Each Other” organised by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Muktijuddher Projonmo Dal at AGB Colony in Motijheel on Thursday night.

He said the Liberation War was fought against injustice, oppression and persecution, and politics must continue to uphold the same ideals.

“Bangladesh's people have placed their trust in us with many hopes and aspirations and entrusted our party with the responsibility of running the state,” he said.

He said the government must, on the one hand, confront domestic and foreign conspiracies and, on the other, rescue the country from the ruins it had been reduced to and rebuild an economy that had been devastated.

Ishraque stressed the need to build Bangladesh into a developed and strong state, saying this would require politics to be conducted with utmost dedication and honesty.

He expressed hope that the Muktijuddher Projonmo Dal would be developed into an “elite” and “respected” organisation and called for members of the Liberation War generation to be organised across the country.

 “If any member is found involved in disciplinary violations or any other activities against the organisation, strict organisational action will be taken following proper verification and investigation,” he said.

Ishraque said Bangladesh's struggle did not end with the Liberation War in 1971, although the country had achieved an independent map, state and flag.

“Given Bangladesh’s geographical position, this struggle will have to continue in one form or another,” he said, expressing hope that the Liberation War generation would play a leading and strong role in safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty.

He also referred to the 2024 mass uprising, saying Bangladesh had been freed from fascism through the movement, but conspiracies had not ended.

“Such conspiracies will continue, and they will have to be confronted continuously,” he said.

Congratulating the newly formed committee of the Dhaka South Muktijuddher Projonmo, Ishraq assured its members of his full cooperation.

He urged them to take programmes quickly and undertake effective steps to organise the group in every police station and ward.

The event was attended by Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal President Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat and leaders of the organisation at different levels.