Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud recently emphasized that the fight for true freedom in Bangladesh is far from over, despite the sacrifices made in past uprisings. Speaking at a discussion in Tangail, titled “Maulana Bhasani and New Bangladesh,” Asif recalled the words of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, who declared after the 1971 war, “My struggle is not over yet.”
Asif pointed out that real liberation cannot be achieved through mere political shifts. While leadership may change, the root problems remain, and the struggle must continue. He expressed that achieving true freedom requires addressing these deep, systemic issues, not just political changes. He also rejected the notion of a single “father of the nation,” opposing any attempts to distort history or restore a fascist system that ignores the complexities of the nation’s past.
Adviser Mahfuj Alam also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the people’s aspirations, emphasizing that their government was formed through the people’s uprising and will continue to serve their interests. He assured the public that the newly appointed advisers would work towards fulfilling these aspirations.
Poet Farhad Mazhar, who attended the event, drew a historical connection between the 1969 uprising and the recent July 2024 movement. He criticized the erasure of important historical figures, like Maulana Bhasani, and highlighted the rise of a singular narrative centered around Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Farhad warned that such actions, which erase important historical figures and moments, represent a form of fascism that distorts Bangladesh’s true history.
The event was a powerful reminder that the struggle for liberation and an honest historical narrative in Bangladesh continues, with leaders and citizens committed to pursuing these goals until they are achieved.
Source: The Daily Star
