BNP leader Ishraq Hossain made a bold Facebook post late Friday night, reflecting on the current political situation in Bangladesh. While he didn’t mention any specific political party, many politically aware citizens believe the message was aimed at the Jamaat-e-Islami’s national rally scheduled for Saturday, 19 July.
“Is Bangladesh Yours?” — A Counter to Political Oppression
In his post, Ishraq sharply criticized the ruling power without naming anyone directly. He wrote:
“কথায় কথায় বাংলা ছাড়, বাংলা কি তোর বাপ দাদার?”
“Every time someone disagrees, you say ‘leave Bangladesh’. Is Bangladesh your grandfather’s property?”
He added that this slogan is meant for Sheikh Hasina, referring to her as a “killer” and saying that anyone who has threatened her illegitimate power has been told to leave the country.
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“Bangladesh Belongs to Me and People Like Me”
Ishraq passionately responded to that sentiment, saying:
“বাংলাদেশ আমার বাপ দাদার। কোন অর্থে? এই বাংলাদেশে আমার বাপ দাদার জন্ম হয়েছে, তাদের কবর শায়িত আছে।”
“Bangladesh is mine, in what sense? My forefathers were born here, and their graves lie here.”
He addressed all patriotic people who believe in the country’s independence and sovereignty, saying that Bangladesh belongs to them too.
Old and New ‘Collaborators’ Must Leave
Ishraq warned against those who once opposed Bangladesh’s independence and may now seek power by surrendering to foreign influence.
“যারা আবারও পরাধীনতার বিনিময়ে কিছু পেতে চায় তাদেরকে বাংলাদেশ ছাড়া করা হবে।”
“Those who now wish to gain something by surrendering our freedom will be driven out of Bangladesh.”
He labeled them as “neo-Razakars”, a term he said he had previously used openly.
Warning for New Political Experiments
Ishraq also sent a strong message to newcomers in politics, warning against the misuse of authoritarian tactics or playing with fascist tendencies:
“সদ্য রাজনীতিতে আসা অনভিজ্ঞ বাচ্চারা… বাংলাদেশের ক্ষমতা ছাড়তে হবে।”
“Inexperienced kids who’ve just entered politics… must leave power in Bangladesh if they try to organize fascism.”
Ending with a Powerful Declaration
He ended the post with a dramatic and emotional statement:
“শুনে রাখো পুরান বা নব্য রাজাকার বা স্বৈরাচার, দেশটা আমার বাপ দাদার। রক্ষাও আমারই করবো ইনশাআল্লাহ।”
“Know this — whether old or new collaborators or dictators — this country belongs to my forefathers. I will protect it, Inshallah.”
Source: Ishraque Hossain
