Staff Reporter :
In a recent turn of events, the General Secretary of the ruling Awami League, Obaidul Quader, has raised serious allegations against the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), claiming that their Monday’s rally featuring freedom fighters is a sham.
Quader asserted that BNP orchestrated the rally with individuals posing as freedom fighters, casting doubt on the authenticity of the event.
During a gathering organised by the Dhaka South Awami League at Bangabandhu Avenue on Monday, marking the solemn occasion of March 25th Massacre Day, Quader condemned the BNP’s rally for its conspicuous silence regarding the historic massacre.
He went on to label the participants as “agents of Pakistan,” accusing them of masquerading as freedom fighters while lacking the genuine spirit of the liberation war.
Quader’s remarks intensified following a BNP gathering held in Nayapaltan, where Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the Secretary-General of the BNP, addressed attendees alongside purported freedom fighters.
Quader challenged Alamgir’s credibility, demanding to know his whereabouts during the Liberation War of 1971, along with details of his training and combat involvement.
The saga continued as Alamgir returned to Dhaka from Singapore after undergoing medical treatment for approximately three weeks.
His re-entry into the political arena was marked by participation in a BNP-organised Iftar programme dedicated to foreign diplomats in Dhaka.
In response to Quader’s accusations, Alamgir has been vocal about the BNP’s stance on historical atrocities, asserting that they do not condone the events of March 25th and have yet to receive due reparations from Pakistan.
He criticised Pakistan’s failure to acknowledge its role in the 1971 genocide and expressed disappointment over the lack of official apologies or reparations.
Highlighting the gravity of collaboration with Pakistan, Alamgir underscored the plight of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence, citing the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and four prominent leaders within prison confines.
Moreover, Alamgir criticised BNP’s ban on the “Joy Bangla” slogan, historically significant for its association with the liberation movement.
S.M. Mannan, the General Secretary of the Dhaka North Awami League, presided over the meeting.
Also in attendance were Bajlur Rahman, President of Dhaka North Awami League; Humayun Kabir, General Secretary of Dhaka South Awami League; Meher Afroze, President of Women’s Awami League; and Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, leader of the youth wing.
