Nagorik Samaj angry as no state programme on Mujibnagar Day

Bangladesh Nagorik Samaj representatives has voiced their anger and dissatisfaction regarding absence of any state programme on historic Mujibnagar Day.

They expressed their disappointment on Friday after paying tribute to the courageous martyrs at the Mujibnagar Memorial in Meherpur.

Senior journalists, political leaders, and dignitaries from various regions, including Dhaka, commemorated the nation's finest sons by laying wreaths.

After paying their respects at the Mujibnagar Memorial, they remarked that it is unacceptable for those who ascended to power by invoking the spirit of the Liberation War to neglect the memory of 1971 or to fail to honor the Liberation War appropriately. The government ought to be enlightened and take a proactive role in commemorating these significant days in the future.

The speakers reiterated their anger and dissatisfaction concerning the lack of any official state effort on this historic day.

They asserted that such negligence is intolerable for a state that embodies the history and spirit of the Liberation War.

Freedom fighter, journalist, and author Abu Said Khan stated that it is unacceptable for those who come to power by referencing the spirit of the Liberation War to disregard the memory of 1971. He emphasized that the government should observe all days associated with the memory of the Liberation War with the necessary dignity and swiftly raise awareness about this matter.

He also expressed sadness over the recent vandalism of sculptures in the Mujibnagar Liberation War Memorial Complex. These structures require prompt restoration, and those responsible must face exemplary punishment.

ALRD Executive Director Shamsul Huda noted that while the term 'provisional government' was initially a label used by the media of that era, it was, in fact, the first constitutional government of Bangladesh.

He stated that this government was led by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and was established to oversee the Liberation War. He further mentioned that this issue will be brought to the government’s attention.

Former General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Ruhin Hossain Prince, Joint General Secretary of the Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BSAD) Rajequzzaman Ratan, along with leaders from various political and social organizations, were also in attendance at the event.

In the morning, local freedom fighters and the parliament of freedom fighters' children paid their respects at the Mujibnagar Memorial. Notable freedom fighters such as Haji Ahsan Ali Khan, retired Captain Abdul Malek, Upazila President of the Freedom Fighters' Children's Parliament Mokhlesur Rahman, and General Secretary Khairul Islam of the Freedom Fighters' Children's Parliament Command, among others, were present.

On April 17, 1971, the inaugural government of Bangladesh was sworn in at Amrakana in Baidyanathtala of Meherpur. While this day is commemorated annually as Mujibnagar Day, it has sparked discussions and controversies this year due to the absence of a state effort.