Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Freedom Fighter Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said on Thursday that Bangladesh was not created through any foreign conspiracy, but emerged from the people’s fight for rights and the establishment of a progressive state.
“Bangladesh was not born out of the plot of any country. It was created to ensure people’s rights and build a forward-looking, democratic state. The Liberation War was not fought to establish a religion-based country,” Tuku said.
He made the remarks while addressing a reception for freedom fighters organised by the Sirajganj District administration at the District Shilpakala Academy auditorium to mark the Independence and National Day 2026.
Tuku described the Liberation War as a true people’s struggle in which ordinary citizens participated to secure independence.
Referring to the tragic events of 25 March 1971, he said Pakistani forces carried out brutal killings that night, but the people’s determination for freedom never wavered.
“Freedom fighters joined the war to defend the country, its sovereignty, and its soil, not for personal gain. Yet over the years, the spirit of liberation has sometimes been misused to cling to power and for corrupt practices,” he added.
Addressing the freedom fighters, the minister urged vigilance against any attempts to turn Bangladesh into a religion-based state, warning that anti-liberation forces could re-emerge if citizens remain passive.
He also highlighted that various welfare benefits for freedom fighters were introduced during the tenure of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. On another note, he criticised the rapid depletion of fuel supplies, noting that what used to last two days at pumps now runs out within two hours, and called on authorities to monitor the situation closely.
Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner (DC) Aminul Islam presided over the reception programme.
Superintendent of Police Saiful Islam Santu, District BNP Vice-President Freedom Fighter Azizur Rahman Dulal, Deputy Director of Local Government Division Kamrul Islam, Additional DC (General) Ganapati Roy, Sirajganj Municipality administrator Shahadat Hossain, Civil Surgeon Nurul Amin, District BNP General Secretary Saidur Rahman Bacchu, former commanders of district and upazila freedom fighter commands, women freedom fighters and officials of different administrative bodies, among others, were also present at the event.
Freedom fighters in the district were accorded reception and honoured with crests for their contributions to the nation.
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