Bangladesh’s existence inseparable from 1971: Tarique Rahman

The Democratic United Front, a coalition of left-leaning parties, on Monday met with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman at the BNP Chairperson's political office in Gulshan. Photo: BSS

Online Desk

Published: 2026-01-05 19:44:21

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that Bangladesh’s very existence cannot be imagined without the Liberation War of 1971, describing it as the foundation of the country as a state and of its political identity.

He made the remarks on Monday while meeting leaders of the Democratic United Front (DUF), a coalition of left-leaning political parties, at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan.

“The Liberation War is the foundation of Bangladesh as a state and its politics. The country’s existence itself cannot be imagined without 1971,” Tarique Rahman said during the meeting.

Referring to what he described as a new political reality following a recent uprising, the BNP acting chairman said the opportunities created by the situation must be used constructively. He stressed that both the government and opposition parties should work together to move the country forward.

Emphasising the need for national unity, he said the current political moment should be utilised to strengthen Bangladesh’s democratic system.

During the meeting, DUF leaders expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. They also exchanged views with Tarique Rahman on the country’s ongoing political situation.

According to leaders of the left-leaning parties present, Tarique Rahman raised concerns about the prevailing law-and-order situation while simultaneously stressing the importance of holding a fair, free and acceptable national election. He called on all political forces to remain united.

Bazlur Rashid Firoz, general secretary of the Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BSD), said Tarique Rahman reiterated that the Liberation War of 1971 was the country’s fundamental basis.

“Without the Liberation War, Bangladesh’s existence is not possible,” Firoz quoted him as saying.

He added that Tarique Rahman also spoke of the need to move forward by upholding the aspirations of both the 1990 mass uprising and the 2024 mass uprising.