Bangladesh's existence cannot be imagined without 1971: Tarique

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday said that the country’s existence could not be imagined without 1971.

“The Liberation War is the foundation of Bangladesh as a state and its politics. The country's very existence cannot be imagined without 1971,” he said while when leaders of the Democratic United Front (DUF), a coalition of left-leaning parties, met him at BNP chairperson's political office in Gulshan.

Tarique said, “The new political reality and possibilities that have emerged in the country after the recent uprising must be utilized. Everyone, including the government and the opposition parties, must work together to move the country forward.”

Emphasising the importance of national unity, the acting chairman said that the current political opportunity must be used to strengthen the democratic system.

During the meeting, the leaders of the DUF expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the death of BNP chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

They also exchanged views with Tarique on the country's ongoing political situation.

Regarding the discussion in the meeting, leaders of the left-leaning parties mentioned that the acting chairman of the BNP expressed concern over the law and order situation in the country.

Simultaneously, he emphasised ensuring a fair, free, and acceptable national election. He called upon everyone to remain united.

At that time, Bazlur Rashid Firoz, general secretary of Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) said, “Tarique told the DUF leaders that the Liberation War of in 1971 is our foundation. Without the Liberation War, Bangladesh's existence is not possible.”

“We must move forward by upholding the aspirations of the '90 mass uprising and the '24 mass uprising,” Firoz quoted Tarique as saying.