Pluralistic politics key to realising martyred intellectuals' ideals: Tarique
"The killing of the nation’s intellectuals was a deep conspiracy to strip the country of its talent," he said
The ideals of the martyred intellectuals would be realised through establishing the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and a political system embracing diverse paths and opinions after the fall of fascism, BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said today (13 December).
In a statement sent to the media ahead of Martyred Intellectuals Day tomorrow, he said, "I pay deep respect to the martyred intellectuals, teachers, doctors, writers, journalists and artists, who were killed by the occupation forces and their collaborators on 14 December 1971. I pray for the forgiveness of their departed souls."
Highlighting the significance of the day, the BNP acting chairman said 14 December is a day to remember the nation's finest sons.
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"The martyred intellectuals, inspired by patriotism, stood beside the people. They protested injustice and wielded their pens in favour of independence," he said.
"The killing of the nation's intellectuals was a deep conspiracy to strip the country of its talent. The murder of the finest sons of the nation on the eve of victory still plunges the entire people into grief.
"However, the ideals they left behind, knowledge and science, free thought, and the spirit of harmony beyond religion, race and community, continue to inspire the resolve to build a modern and progressive country," he added.
The BNP leader also lamented the country's failure to realise the democratic vision of the martyred intellectuals.
"Building a modern democratic state was their cherished goal, but even after half a century, the dream of the martyred intellectuals has not been realised. Democracy has repeatedly fallen into the abyss.
"The atmosphere of one‑party misrule has obstructed the democratic development of the state. Despite much bloodshed, freedom of expression, writing and speech have yet to escape the grip of crisis," he said.
Tarique urged the nation to work together to build the Bangladesh envisioned by the martyred intellectuals. He also extended his deepest condolences to the families of martyred intellectuals.
