Today's Independence Day celebrations prove there is no such thing as 'second independence': Mirza Abbas

Today's Independence Day celebrations has proved that there is no such thing as a "second independence" in Bangladesh, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas said today (26 March).

"Those who term the removal of a fascist through a student-led uprising as second independence had no role in the Liberation War. They are trying to demean Independence Day. There is no such thing as second independence. I would suggest everyone not to make any such claims," said the BNP leader while talking to journalists on Independence Day (26 March) after paying tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial on behalf of the BNP.

Abbas emphasised that when national unity is truly required, the people of Bangladesh will stand together.

He also dismissed concerns over disunity among opposition parties, stating that while there may be a conflict of interests, there is no fundamental disunity.  

"Every party has its own ideological stance. People express their views based on their respective beliefs. I do not see this as disunity," he said.

"If the need for greater national unity arises to protect our sovereignty and independence, we will all unite," he assured.

Regarding the upcoming elections, Abbas said, "The chief adviser has announced that elections will be held in December. We want to believe in that promise."

He further remarked, "Even 54 years after independence, Bangladesh has struggled to fully experience true freedom. However, he noted, "After 5 August, we have regained a new sense of freedom."

Mirza Abbas also paid homage to the brave martyrs of 1971, stating, "We remember those who sacrificed their lives for our independence. We extend our condolences to the families of those who are still alive."

Senior BNP leaders, including Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Aman Ullah Aman, were present during the tribute.