I will salute freedom fighters whenever I wish: Ishraque responds to salute controversy

Liberation War Affairs State Minister Ishraque Hossain has defended his decision to salute at the National Martyrs' Memorial, saying he will continue to salute martyred heroes and freedom fighters whenever he feels it is appropriate, amid criticism on social media.

In a Facebook post on Sunday night (July 26), Ishraque said he offered the salute voluntarily while paying tribute at the National Memorial alongside Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and insisted that no one could question his right to do so.

"This is a democratic country. I saluted by my own choice. Whenever I wish, I will salute our brave freedom fighters," he wrote.

The controversy erupted after Ishraque was seen saluting the martyrs while standing beside the chiefs of the three armed services during the official wreath-laying ceremony in Savar earlier in the day, triggering mixed reactions online.

Responding to the criticism, Ishraque said his late father, Sadeque Hossain Khoka, was a commander of a guerrilla unit during the Liberation War, and that, as the state minister responsible for Liberation War affairs, he represented the nation's gratitude to the country's war heroes.

He added that saluting the martyrs and freedom fighters was a spontaneous expression of respect, not a matter for political debate or ridicule.

Calling the criticism "unfortunate," Ishraque said it was regrettable that honouring the nation's heroes had become a subject of mockery, while showing disrespect often drew applause.