BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh and his historic declaration provided a directionless nation with the courage to jump into the Liberation War, reports BSS.

In a message on the eve of the Independence Day, he extended his heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all, including the countrymen and expatriate Bangladeshis.

Tarique Rahman said the great independence and national day marks the beginning of a new chapter in the national life through a new sunrise.
The independence of Bangladesh is the greatest achievement of this nation after a thousand years of struggle, he said.

He paid deepest respect to all Liberation War martyrs on this great day saying the freedom of the motherland was achieved through their unforgettable sacrifice.

He also paid his deepest respect to the memory of all the national leaders, including the great independence proclaimer, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

Tarique Rahman also recalled the contribution of the freedom fighters as the nation achieved the great victory against Pakistani occupational forces through their nine-month struggle.

He also respectfully remembered those mothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice for the independence of the motherland.

In the continuation of the struggle for freedom and independence, the map of Bangladesh was revealed on the world map amid the bloodstained Liberation War of 1971, he said.

"On this day, the best son of the motherland, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, declared the independence of Bangladesh. In his historic declaration, the nation, which was at that moment disoriented, got the mantra to jump into the liberation war," Tarique Rahman said.

He said the people of this country participated in the liberation war of 1971 with the determination to build a liberal democratic Bangladesh free from exploitation, deprivation, and human equality.

"Repeatedly, fascist, autocratic and illegal forces have not allowed us to fulfill that goal. As a result of domestic and foreign conspiracies, our democracy and economic progress have stumbled and the sovereignty and independence has been endangered."

After the conspiracy to assassinate the great independence proclaimer, President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, the trend of restoring democracy was initiated under the successful and fruitful leadership of the uncompromising leader of democracy, Begum Khaleda Zia.

But it has not been possible to create a permanent and strong democratic structure due to the enemies of democracy,"

Unfortunately, the conspiracy of the forces destroying democracy has not stopped yet, he said.

Tarique Rahman said after the ouster of Awami League regime, now is the opportunity for all political parties, organizations, individuals and people of Bangladesh to ensure the path of multi-party democracy through the united efforts of all political parties, organizations, individuals and people and consolidate the country`s independence and sovereignty.
"This is the core spirit of independence," he said.

Tarique Rahman hoped the great Independence and National Day will uphold the core spirit of the great Liberation War of 1971 through the united struggle of the nation and the democratic system of pluralism and path.