On the occasion of Martyred Intellectuals Day, BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman issued a message commemorating the sacrifices of the intellectuals who were brutally killed during the 1971 Liberation War. The message was disseminated through a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday, December 13.

In his statement, Tarique Rahman paid deep homage to the martyred intellectuals, referring to them as the nation’s irreplaceable treasures whose memories will remain eternal. He prayed for their eternal peace and stated that December 14 marks a heart-wrenching and tragic day in the nation’s history. According to him, the martyred intellectuals were exceptional sons of the soil who envisioned a prosperous, democratic, and just society, free from exploitation. However, during the final days of the war, the occupying forces and their collaborators carried out a calculated massacre to deprive independent Bangladesh of its brightest minds.

Tarique Rahman further remarked that soon after independence, undemocratic forces began to reveal their true nature, suppressing the people’s democratic rights in a manner reminiscent of the Pakistani occupiers. These forces weakened the sovereignty and independence of the nation, earned through rivers of blood and sacrifices, and dismantled the vision of a democratic state and society cherished by the martyred intellectuals.

He criticized the successors of these undemocratic forces, particularly accusing the "Awami fascists" of perpetuating the legacy of division, abduction, extrajudicial killings, and suppressing democracy. According to him, their actions have hindered national progress and obstructed the creation of a united nation. He asserted that instead of transforming Bangladesh into a self-reliant and prosperous country, these regimes imposed authoritarian rule, eroding the democratic fabric of the nation.

Highlighting the present political scenario, Tarique Rahman urged the nation to unite once again to restore genuine democracy. He called for the reestablishment of the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and a political system that accommodates diverse opinions. He emphasized that the ideals of the martyred intellectuals should serve as a source of inspiration in this endeavor.

On this day of mourning, he extended his heartfelt sympathy to the families of the martyred intellectuals and urged the people of Bangladesh to join forces to build the Bangladesh envisioned by these national heroes.

He concluded his message with prayers for the nation, saying, “May Allah bless us all. Long live Bangladesh.”