Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Tuesday emphasised the importance of passing the authentic history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War to the younger generation.
Speaking at a discussion organised by the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) titled ‘Proclaimer of Independence and Zia of the Battlefield’ at the Jatiya Press Club, Swapan said, “History unfolds through its own course. The declaration of independence and wartime leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman remain unalterable truths.”
He noted that for years, attempts have been made to misrepresent the nation’s history, particularly the critical period from 25 March to 10 April 1971, when Bangladesh was plunged into extreme uncertainty following Pakistan’s crackdown. “Major Ziaur Rahman, only 32 at the time, boldly declared rebellion and led the fight for independence with the slogan ‘I revolt’,” he said. Swapan also highlighted Ziaur Rahman’s declaration from the Kalurghat radio station on 26 March 1971, which guided a disoriented nation, and noted that the speech of Tajuddin Ahmed on 10 April officially recognised the rebellion.
Swapan said that in today’s era of information technology and citizen journalism, distorting history is no longer possible. He also linked Shaheed Zia’s introduction of multi-party democracy and the subsequent struggle led by Begum Khaleda Zia to restore parliamentary governance with the current leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. “Shaheed Zia initiated a democratic culture that included defeated forces in parliament, laying the foundation for citizens’ rights,” he added.
State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain, DAB Chief Advisor Prof Dr Farhad Halim Doner, and DAB President Prof Dr Harun Al Rashid also spoke at the session. The discussion was moderated by DAB Secretary General Dr Md Zahirul Islam Shakil and attended by doctors, media personnel, and politicians, including BSS Managing Editor Md Fazlul Haque.
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