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Published : 26 Mar 2025, 11:52 AM
BNP leader Mirza Abbas believes that anyone who refers to the July movement as Bangladesh’s “second independence” does so with the intention of “diminishing” the significance of Independence Day.
After paying his respects to the heroes of the Liberation War at Savar's National Martyrs’ Memorial on Wednesday, he told reporters: “After the July Uprising, we have freed our country from fascists. Some call this a second independence.”
“But today’s Independence Day celebrations prove that there is no such thing as a second independence in Bangladesh. Those who push these ideas are trying to reduce the importance of Independence Day, proving that they didn't have any involvement in our Liberation War in 1971.”
Mirza Abbas continued, “We pray that our future generations can preserve this independence.”
The true essence of independence was “lost” for a while, but was regained with the fall of the Awami League government on Aug 5, according to the BNP Standing Committee member.
On the topic of a national consensus among political parties, the BNP leader said that the parties are currently divided on ideological grounds. However, he believes that the Bangladeshi people will all unite if necessary, “for the sake of our independence and sovereignty”.
Mirza Abbas said, “There is no disagreement between us, but we have conflicting interests. Each party has its own ideology that they are representing. I will not call it a disagreement.”
“But if a time comes where we need to unite for the sake of our independence and sovereignty, we will all come together as one, there is no doubt about that,” he said.
On several occasions, the interim government’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has alluded to the possibility of holding a national election in December. Mirza Abbas said that the BNP wants to trust these insinuations.
When asked about the BNP’s plans if the election doesn’t take place, he said: “We will cross that bridge when we come to it.”
