The Tamesis
Dhaka – BNP acting president Tarique Rahman today said Bangladesh would not have existed without the 1971 liberation war.
He made the remarks during a meeting with the left-wing alliance Democratic United Front at the BNP chief’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka. The meeting was confirmed by Basil Rashid Firoz, general secretary of the Bangladesh Socialist Party and central leader of the Front.
During the discussion, Tariq Rahman reiterated his vision for a liberal, democratic welfare state in the country.
The meeting was held in the morning mainly to pay tribute to the family of late former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.
The leaders of both sides also exchanged views on a series of issues such as the country’s overall political situation, the current security situation and the upcoming national election.
Bazrul Rashid Firoz said: “Our main purpose is to express our condolences. He [Tarique] After being abroad for a long time, the family suffered losses after returning home. We are here to express our sympathy. “
Members of the United Democratic Front delegation also include CPB Bureau member Mujahidul Islam Selim, Chairman Kazi Sajjad Jahir Chandan, General Secretary Abdullah Al Kafi Ratan, BASD Assistant Secretary-General Rajequzzaman Ratan, JASAD Secretary-General Nazmul Haque Prodhan and its Standing Committee Member Mostaq Hossain, Bangladesh Socialist Party Executive Chairman Abdul Ali, Democratic Revolutionary Party General Secretary Mushrefa Mishu, Bangladesh Revolutionary Communist League Secretary-General Iqbal Kabir Zahid, Presidency Member Professor Abdus Sattar and BASD (Marxist) Coordinator Masud Rana.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also attended the meeting.
Previously, on November 29, nine left-leaning liberal parties formed the Democratic United Front with Bangladesh Jasad before the election.
“1971 is our foundation”
Bazrul said Tariq told them that the 1971 liberation war was the foundation of Bangladesh.
“he [Tarique] Tell us that after returning to China on December 25, he made it clear in his speech that the war of liberation is our foundation. Without the war of liberation, there would be no Bangladesh. We must move forward while maintaining the aspirations of the massive uprisings of 1990 and 2024,” the BASD leader said.
“Tariq Rahman said they have a plan to build a liberal, democratic and welfare-oriented state and want to work in this direction, learning from the lessons of the past. The people will remain at the center of their politics,” he added.
He said Tariq also told them that opposition parties would exist and differences of opinion would remain.
“He said there may be differences on many issues, but on matters of state and issues that affect the people, there should be dialogue,” Bazrul said.
Regarding Jamaat-e-Islami’s recent statement on the national government, he said Tariq clarified that no such discussion had been held with them.
‘Criticism will still exist’
Bazrul said UDF leaders told Tariq that they could be among the government’s strongest critics if the BNP came to power in the future.
“he [Tarique] Says criticism is vital to democracy. Without criticism, democracy cannot function. There will be criticism and dialogue and everyone should continue that discussion,” he said.
Later, a four-member delegation from Gano Samhati Andolan, led by Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, also met Tariq to discuss various issues related to politics and the upcoming elections.
