BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday alleged that there is a “deliberate attempt” underway to erase the memory of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and called for national unity to resist it.

Speaking at a Janmashtami reception held at Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), organized by the BNP in honour of the Hindu community, he urged citizens to remember the sacrifices of both 1971 and the recent July-August movement of 2024, stressing that both events are key to Bangladesh’s identity and democratic aspirations.

Mirza Fakhrul said the Liberation War of 1971 had given Bangladesh its land, identity, and sovereignty and now a silent effort is being made to wipe that history away.

“We must remain united against this attempt. Just as the 2024 July-August movement is a reality, so is our nine-month Liberation War. Both are historical truths,” he said.

He also emphasized that it was BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman who had first declared the country’s independence in 1971.

“The martyrs of July-August 2024 gave us the opportunity to dream of democracy again. We must honour both sacrifices equally,” he added.

When acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman joined the event virtually from London, members of Hindu community welcomed him with traditional uludhwani (ceremonial calls) and the beating of drums.

Speaking on the rising threats of extremism, Fakhrul warned against allowing any form of radicalism to take root.

“If extremism is allowed to flourish, the soul of Bangladesh will be destroyed,” he said. He urged everyone to set aside past divisions and unite for the greater good of the country.

Fakhrul alleged that Awami League, in power for the past 15 years, has treated citizens not as friends but as subjects. “They misled the people, looted national wealth and laundered money abroad,” he claimed.

He also mentioned his recent visit to Bangkok for medical treatment, where he allegedly learned that many elite properties in the city are now being rented by “expelled Awami League leaders.”

“These leaders are buying luxury vehicles worth two to three crore taka. Where is this money coming from? It’s being smuggled out of our country,” he said.

Fakhrul accused Awami league of dismantling Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and claimed over Tk 88 lakh crore has been siphoned out of the country.

“There’s nothing left. Even economists are asking; if BNP comes to power, how will it govern when the treasury is empty?” he added.

The BNP leader concluded by urging all citizens, regardless of religion or political affiliation, to come together to rebuild the country, restore democracy and protect the essence of Bangladesh’s independence.