Statements on declaration of independence being revived with hidden agenda: Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint General Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday alleged that renewed debates over the declaration of Bangladesh’s independence are being deliberately stirred up with ulterior political motives.

He questioned the intent behind what he described as a sudden and calculated effort to reopen a settled historical issue.

“With what purpose and audacity are these statements being made now about the declaration of independence?” Rizvi asked.

“Those who are spreading such narratives are capable of going even further and fabricating anything, as they have never hesitated to distort facts,” he said.

Rizvi made the remarks while speaking at a milad and doa mahfil organised by the BNP on the occasion of the holy Shab-e-Barat at the party’s central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka.

He alleged that the renewed controversy is being used as a diversionary tactic.

“A political party has recently made vulgar and offensive remarks about women, triggering widespread anger across the country. In an attempt to deflect that outrage, they are now trying to create confusion over the declaration of independence,” he said, adding that established historical truths cannot be erased by manufactured controversies.

Referring to comments made by the Jamaat Ameer in Chattogram, Rizvi said the individual being portrayed as the declarer of independence never claimed such a role himself.

“The declaration of independence was made by former President Ziaur Rahman. As a major, he proclaimed independence, issued a call to the nation and guided people to join the Liberation War,” Rizvi said.

He added that even the person now being mentioned in this context repeatedly acknowledged Ziaur Rahman’s role with respect in his own writings and remained his associate throughout his career.

“If such claims are suddenly raised for political advantage, will people accept them? These facts are clearly documented in published records,” Rizvi said.

Speaking on the significance of Shab-e-Barat, Rizvi said the holy night carries a message of self-purification and divine mercy.

“On this night, Muslims seek forgiveness and closeness to Allah. All Islamic observances aim to instil moral discipline and spiritual accountability,” he said.

He further alleged that some quarters exploit religion for political and commercial gain. “Islam is not a tool for business or power. When hypocrisy is practiced in the name of religion, it only leads to moral decay and social corruption,” he added.

BNP Voluntary Affairs Secretary Mir Sarfat Ali Sapu, Executive Committee Member Md Mainul Islam and other party leaders were also present at the doa mahfil.