Plots on to make people forget 71: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has issued a stark warning of a “growing conspiracy” to make the people of Bangladesh forget the sacrifices of the 1971 Liberation War, urging national unity to protect the country’s foundational history and identity.

Speaking at a Janmashtami greeting event hosted by the BNP for the Hindu community at the Ramna Engineers’ Institution Auditorium on Thursday afternoon, Fakhrul called on citizens to remain vigilant against what he described as a “hidden campaign” to erase the legacy of 1971.

“Today, I want to remember the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War – again and again,” he said. “Because 1971 gave us an independent nation, our own territory, and our identity. That is why I exist. That is why I am alive.” 

He also paid tribute to the martyrs of the July-August 2024 uprising, saying: “Just as the July-August revolution is real, so too is the nine-month war of 1971. Who declared our independence? It was martyr President Ziaur Rahman, the founder of our party.” 

‘Conspiracy to Forget 1971’

Fakhrul accused unnamed forces of attempting to rewrite history and weaken national consciousness.

“There is a silent effort underway to make the nation forget 1971. But we, the people of Bangladesh, must stand united against this. We cannot allow the soul of our nation, which is rooted in 1971, to be erased.” 

He warned against rising narratives suggesting “extremism” is taking hold in Bangladesh, calling such claims baseless and politically motivated.

“This so-called ‘extremism’ cannot be allowed to rise – because if it does, the very soul of Bangladesh will be lost. We must remember: our strength lies in unity, not division.” 

‘No more divisive politics’

Addressing members of the Hindu community, Fakhrul stressed the need for collective effort to build a progressive, inclusive Bangladesh.

“I say this today so that no one tries to play the politics of division among you. The past is the past. Now, for the survival, progress, and development of Bangladesh, we must all work together.” 

He reaffirmed the BNP’s vision of a non-communal, pluralistic “rainbow state”, a goal he said is shared by party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

‘They’re buying houses, cars abroad with stolen wealth’

In a scathing critique of the previous Awami League government, Fakhrul alleged massive corruption and money laundering during the past 15 years.

“Those who ruled us for 15 years treated us not as citizens, but as subjects. They looted the nation’s resources and sent the wealth abroad.” 

Drawing on a recent trip to Bangkok for medical treatment, he claimed:“I heard from friends that there’s a boom in luxury rentals in elite areas – all being taken by fleeing Awami League leaders. The cars they’re buying? None under two or three crore taka. Where did this money come from? It’s our national wealth,  stolen and smuggled out.” 

Citing estimates, he alleged that 88 lakh crore taka had been laundered abroad under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership.

“An economist asked me: ‘If you come to power, where will you govern from? All the money is gone.’ That’s the reality — our economy has been hollowed out.” 

The event was chaired by Fakhrul himself and moderated by Religious Affairs Associate Secretary Amlendu Das Apu.

Senior BNP leaders in attendance included Standing Committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moin Khan, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, Vice Chairman Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Joint Secretary General Abdus Salam Azad, and central figures Abdul Bari Danny and John Gomez.

Representatives from Hindu civil society organisations, including Tapan Chandra Majumder, Sushanta Chakraborty, Jayanta Deb, and Basudeb Dhar, also attended, highlighting the BNP’s outreach to minority communities.