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BangladeshNationalist Party-BNP
Message from BNP Acting Chairman Mr. Tarique Rahman on the Occasion of Martyred Intellectuals Day
Message
“On 14 December 1971, teachers, physicians, writers, journalists, artists, and other intellectuals were brutally killed by the occupying forces and their collaborators. I pay my deepest tribute to the martyred intellectuals and pray for the eternal peace of their departed souls.
14 December is a day to remember the nation’s finest sons and daughters. The martyred intellectuals stood beside the people, inspired by patriotism. They raised their voices against injustice and took up their pens in favor of independence. Their lives and works continue to inspire us to this day.
The killing of intellectuals was a deep-rooted conspiracy to deprive the nation of its intellect—aimed at obstructing the victory of independence. The brutal murder of the country’s brightest minds on the eve of victory still fills the entire nation with profound grief. Yet, the ideals they left behind—knowledge, science, free thought, and a spirit of harmony beyond religion, race, and community—ignite our determination to build a progressive and enlightened nation. Their ultimate aspiration was the establishment of a modern democratic state.
However, even after more than half a century, the dreams of the martyred intellectuals remain unfulfilled. Democracy has repeatedly been pushed into the abyss. The democratic development of the state has been obstructed through the creation of an environment of one-party authoritarian rule. Despite the shedding of much blood, freedom of expression, writing, and speech has yet to be freed from crisis and repression.
Nevertheless, following the fall of fascism in the July mass uprising, the ideals of the martyred intellectuals can only be realized if we establish the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and a pluralistic political system that allows diverse opinions and paths.
On this solemn day of mourning, I call upon the people of the country—let us work together to build the Bangladesh envisioned by the martyred intellectuals.
I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the martyred intellectuals.
Allah Hafez, Bangladesh Zindabad.”
(Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi)
Senior Joint Secretary General
Bangladesh Nationalist Party - BNP
