BNP can’t deny Zia’s involvement in 1975 carnage plot: PM
The premier, who was speaking as the chief guest in a virtual discussion joining from her official Ganabhaban residence through a video conference, said that truth can’t be suppressed no matter how much BNP shouts defending their party leader
Prime Minister and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina on Monday said that BNP couldn't deny the Ziaur Rahman's involvement in the August 15, 1975 carnage as the killers of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman said that Zia gave them complete support in this regard.
"BNP could not refuse that Ziaur Rahman was involved in the assassination of the Father of the Nation as the killers, (removed) Col Faruk and Rashid, in an interview with the BBC told that Zia was with them as he (Zia) instructed them to go ahead and he (Zia) extended all sorts of assistance in carrying out the August 15, 1975 carnage," she said.
The premier, who was speaking as the chief guest in a virtual discussion joining from her official Ganabhaban residence through a video conference, said that truth can't be suppressed no matter how much BNP shouts defending their party leader.
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The Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) organized the discussion marking the National Mourning Day and the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Bangabandhu at the AL's central office at Bangabandhu Avenue.
The premier simultaneously said that the same things came into light in the confessional statements made by other killers that Zia along with them was involved in the August 15, 1975 carnage plot.
Noting that Ziaur Rahman was the most beneficiary of the Bangabandhu killing, she said, "Ziaur Rahman was made the army chief by Khandaker Mustaque after he illegally occupied the state power after the August 15,1975 massacre."
The prime minister said that Zia did everything that required to destroy a nation, adding, "Zia had destroyed the student community as he pushed many meritorious students to different tracks with giving them arms and money. He took the students to a pleasure trip in the ship "Hilful Fujul" which Bangabandhu brought for conducting Hajj."
Following the footprints of her husband, Khaleda Zia did the same thing in terms of using students for personal gain, she said referring to Khaleda's remark that Jatyatabadi Chhatra Dal (student wing of BNP) was enough to teach the Awami League.
On the contrary, the prime minister said, "I handed pen and khata over the students as I knew that study was necessary to be worth citizens of the independent country."
Recalling the glorious role of the BCL in all past movements of the country, Sheikh Hasina said the organization founded by Bangabandhu made important contributions to all past progressive struggles.
The premier said: "Bangabandhu had established the Chhatra League on January 4 in 1948, at a time when Pakistanis tried to snatch away our mother tongue. The Chhatra League gave complete support to organize the Language Movement."
Sheikh Hasina said Bangabandhu entrusted Chhatra League leaders and workers with the task of talking to the people about the Joy Bangla slogan, the Six-Point demand, and the proposed flag of an independent Bangladesh to drum up public opinions in favour of the movements.
The premier urged BCL leaders and workers to follow the ideals and philosophy of Bangabandhu, saying: "The Father of the Nation never thought of his own personal wellbeing, but rather the welfare of the people and the country."
She asked BCL leaders and activists to read the three books written by Bangabandhu, namely "Amar Dekha Naya Chin" "Asamapta Atmajiboni" and "Karagarer Rojnamcha," saying, "If you want to be leaders, you should read these books to learn about good politics."
The prime minister also asked the BCL leaders to read the Pakistani intelligence report on Bangabandhu from which they could learn the true history of Bangladesh and the works of Bangabandhu.
She paid rich tribute to the BCL leaders, who had sacrificed their lives for the people, recalling their efforts in arranging burial for the COVID-19 patients risking their lives.
Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader spoke at the discussion with BCL President Al Nahean Khan Joy presiding. BCL General Secretary Lekhak Bhattacharjee moderated it.
The premier also unveiled the cover of the publication of the BCL titled "Matribhumi".
At the outset of the discussion, one minute
silence was observed as a mark of profound respect to the memories of Bangabandhu and other martyrs of the August 15 carnage
