AL tainted independence by distorting history: BNP

AL tainted independence by distorting history: BNP

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday alleged that the Awami League government has stigmatised the independence of Bangladesh by distorting the history of the country's Liberation War.

"We would like to say it clearly that there'll be no use in falsifying the truth in Goebbelsian style and suppressing the rights of people," he said.

Speaking at a discussion, he said the current government has destroyed democracy by dashing the hopes and aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. "They're now working to establish a one-party system of government.”

Fakhrul urged the BNP leaders and activists to get ready for waging a fearless mass movement to 'restore' democracy by ousting the Awami League government.

BNP arranged the discussion at the Jatiya Press Club marking its 43rd founding anniversary.

Fakhrul said the ruling party leaders are constantly spitting venom against BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and his widow Khaleda Zia just out of political jealousy. "They try to belittle Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman and BNP for the same reason.

He called upon the Awami League leaders to ask themselves about their contributions to the country.

"Their contributions are to surrender to the Pakistanis and become leaders fleeing the country to India (during the Liberation War). Their contributions are to destroy democracy and establish a one-party rule annihilating the soul of the nation and Bangladesh," the BNP leader said.

He alleged that Awami League is now trying to mislead people by spreading propaganda against Zia and raising a question about his role in the Liberation War.

Fakhrul said Zia is there in people's hearts as they know his contributions to the country and the Liberation War.' "History has accepted Zia, no matter what propaganda the ruling party spreads."

He urged BNP leaders and activists to work for uniting the country's people and all the democratic forces to defeat the 'autocratic' regime of Sheikh Hasina. "We have to establish a pro-people government and free Khaleda Zia from jail. The victory of the people is certain."

Speaking at the programme, BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said their party's main target is now to free the country from the hands of a 'despotic' government and restore democracy and thus free Khaleda from jail. "I call upon all to get ready for a strong movement with a vow to oust the autocratic regime.