On the occasion of the Great Victory Day, BNP leaders and activists paid tribute to the mausoleum of the party’s founder, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, and at the National Martyrs’ Memorial.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir remarked that the enemies of Bangladesh’s independence are once again trying to resurface. He made the comments on Tuesday morning after placing wreaths at the mausoleum of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

From early morning, thousands of BNP leaders and activists gathered at the mausoleum chanting slogans such as “Zia, the Proclaimer of Independence, we salute you” and “We achieved independence, we will protect independence.”

Speaking to the media, Mirza Fakhrul said that those who opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 are once again attempting to re-emerge. However, he expressed confidence that the freedom-loving, independence-loving, and democracy-loving people of Bangladesh will defeat all conspiracies and firmly protect the country’s independence and sovereignty, Insha’Allah.

He stated that the Liberation War, which began following the declaration of independence by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, culminated in final victory on 16 December. For this reason, Victory Day holds special significance for BNP. He said the party had visited the mausoleum of the Proclaimer of Independence to pay tribute and renew its pledge to continue the struggle to protect independence and establish democracy in Bangladesh.

On this great day, Mirza Fakhrul extended deep respect and gratitude—on behalf of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and the party—to all martyrs of the Liberation War, and paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. He also prayed for the recovery of Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as the first woman freedom fighter and an uncompromising guardian of democracy and national sovereignty, who is currently seriously ill.

At 9:55 am, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul, along with members of the party’s Standing Committee, paid floral tributes at Ziaur Rahman’s mausoleum and participated in a special prayer seeking forgiveness for his departed soul. Among those present were Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, advisers Amanullah Aman and Abdus Salam, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, Dhaka North BNP Convener Aminul Haque, Tanvir Ahmed Robin, and leaders of central and affiliated organizations. Later, leaders of various party wings—including Muktijoddha Dal, Jubo Dal, Swecchasebak Dal, Mohila Dal, Krishok Dal, Matsyajibi Dal, Tanti Dal, DAB, Chatradal, Zia Parishad, and others—also placed wreaths at the mausoleum.

Mirza Fakhrul further said that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman remains in exile abroad, and the party hopes he will return to the country on 25 December. He expressed hope that Tarique Rahman’s return would further strengthen the struggle for democracy.

Earlier, at around 8:30 am, thousands of BNP leaders and activists led by Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas paid homage to the martyrs at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar.

BNP Pays Tribute at the National Martyrs’ Memorial

On Victory Day, BNP leaders and activists paid floral tributes at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar. After the tribute, Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas said that anti-independence forces have never wished peace for the country since 1947 and continue to conspire to destabilize Bangladesh. He criticized attempts to glorify figures who opposed the Liberation War, calling such acts a grave insult to freedom fighters.

Referring to the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising, Mirza Abbas said there is no comparison between the two, as each belongs to its own historical context. Noting that Victory Day has never come so close to an election before, he extended Victory Day greetings on behalf of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. He expressed hope that in the upcoming election, the people would elect a party capable of fulfilling their expectations.

At the tribute ceremony, Standing Committee members Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, adviser Amanullah Aman, and leaders and activists from various levels of the party were present.

Earlier, at 7:10 am, BNP leaders and activists departed from the Chairperson’s office in Gulshan for the National Martyrs’ Memorial, where they paid homage to the heroic martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths.