Calling July movement second independence undermines liberation war: Nazrul

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan criticised attempts to label the July movement as a “second independence,” saying such claims diminish the significance of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

He made the remarks while speaking at a meeting organised by the Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ League at the National Press Club on Sunday (January 5), marking the birth anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman.

Nazrul said, “Some quarters are trying to present the July movement as a ‘second independence,’ which amounts to belittling the history of the Liberation War and the nation’s independence. There is no room for distortion of our liberation history.”

Addressing electoral concerns, he questioned the Election Commission’s (EC) silence on flaws in the postal ballot system. “Despite serious issues with postal ballots, we have maintained silence in the interest of holding elections on time. Yet, the EC appears active in scrutinising the dual citizenship issue while ignoring clear irregularities in postal voting. Such inaction is unacceptable,” he said.

He added that BNP remains committed to ensuring free, fair, and timely elections. “Despite having multiple objections and concerns, the party has acted responsibly to uphold the election schedule,” Nazrul said.