SM Zilani, President of the Central Committee of Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal said, BNP is the party of the Liberation War and the party of freedom fighters and we uphold and cherish this ideal. During the Liberation War, leadership was led by martyred President Ziaur Rahman.
On the night of March 25, 1971, the Pakistani occupation forces attacked unarmed Bengalis and carried out mass killings. In response to this atrocity, a patriotic army officer, Ziaur Rahman, declared, “I have revolted against the Government of Pakistan. I have revolted against the Pakistani Army.” Had Bangladesh not achieved independence, Ziaur Rahman would have faced a court-martial and almost certain execution. Despite knowing the risk, he declared the revolt for the sake of the motherland.
He said this at the ‘Harmony Rally’ held on Tuesday at Kazi Montu College Grounds in Kotalipara.
“History teaches us that whenever a country’s independence movement begins, leaders of existing political parties often declare independence. Unfortunately, on that fateful day in Bangladesh, no political leader declared independence. Ordinary citizens were left without leadership. Ziaur Rahman waited, hoping someone would step forward. When no political leader did, he realized that without a declaration, the people of Bangladesh would remain divided, and victory in the Liberation War could not be achieved.
That is why he went to the Kalurghat radio station in Chittagong and declared Bangladesh’s independence. His colleagues warned him that as an army officer, declaring independence might not compel all citizens to join the liberation struggle. Yet Ziaur Rahman went ahead, acting on behalf of Mujibur Rahman, ensuring full participation in the struggle. This is the essence of Ziaur Rahman, whose ideals we uphold and cherish; this can never be considered a crime.”
Regarding his own political philosophy, SM Zilani said, “In a free and democratic country, being a member of a political party is a democratic right. For 17 years, under the leadership of Bangladesh’s leader Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Zia, I have been on the streets fighting to restore the people’s right to vote and free speech and to reinstate democracy. In 2008, I contested the elections under the Dhanshish symbol, representing my party, not opposing anyone.
Despite this, I persevered, believing that one day, even if the ruling party changes, I can support the people of Gopalganj, Kotalipara, and Tungipara. I will not abandon them in times of need. I only ask for one chance to prove my commitment through action, not words, and to work alongside all the people of this region.”
The rally was presided over by SM Mohiuddin, President of Kotalipara Upazila BNP. Special guests were Kazi Abul Khayer, Member Secretary of Gopalganj District BNP. Other speakers included Abul Bashar Howlader, General Secretary of Kotalipara Upazila BNP; Oliur Rahman Howlader, General Secretary of the Municipality BNP; freedom fighter Modacher Thakur; and senior leaders from district, upazila, and union committees.
