Anti-independence forces using religion for political leverage: Speakers

The first private university and the number one ranked private university of Bangladesh, North South University (NSU), organised a virtual discussion session and cultural programme on the Martyred Intellectuals Day and Victory Day on Wednesday.

Both programmes were broadcasted live on NSU's official Facebook page, and Zoom.

It was moderated by Jamil Ahmed, TV Presenter and Director of Public Relations Office at the university, reads a press release.

Speaking as the chief guest, Vice-Chancellor of Jagannath University Professor Dr Mizanur Rahman said, “Today's Victory Day is very significant because we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of independence and it is the birth centenary of Bangabandhu at the same time.

“Today, the anti-independence forces are using religion to get political advantage. They didn’t stop at killing Bangabandhu, now they are showing courage to break the sculpture of Bangabandhu. Their real purpose is not sculpture, but to use religion to achieve hateful political purposes,” he added.

Dr Mizanur further said that there are various sculptures in all Islamic countries, warning that “anti-independence forces” are continuing their conspiracy to turn Bangladesh into a radical state.

“Our new generation has to stop all these evil forces and they have to work hard to build a happy and beautiful Bangladesh by embracing the ideals of Bangabandhu,” he concluded.

Speaking as a special guest, former chairman and member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) at NSU freedom fighter Benajir Ahmed said for the people of this country and especially for those who were able to participate in the liberation war, today is the day to fulfil their dreams.

“Bangabandhu is the embodiment of independence of this country. He was the saviour of the destiny of the helpless and oppressed people of this country,” he said, adding: “All directions of the management of this country existed in the speech of 7th March of Bangabandhu and all the development and progress we are enjoying today has become possible because of the long-term dream of Bangabandhu.”

Speaking as the special Guest, Dr Nuzhat Chowdhury, professor of BSMMU and daughter of martyred intellectual Dr Abdul Alim Chowdhury, said that some anti-independence forces are abusing Islam to get political advantage.

“As a nation, we are generous and tolerant, we are not bigoted. We can embrace everyone irrespective of caste and creed — that is the identity of Bengalis. Those who are confronting our national identity with our religious identity, I am requesting our young generation to fight the ideological battle to snatch both your own identity and the identity of the people as a whole,” she said.