Tuku urges youth to respect Bangla, criticizes use of 'Inquilab' slogans

SIRAJGANJ, Feb 21: Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku on Saturday said that if Bengali identity is to be preserved and Bangla truly embraced as the mother tongue, slogans like "Inquilab Zindabad" and platforms such as "Inquilab Mancha" should be rejected, as they have no connection with the language or culture of Bangladesh.

Speaking at a discussion and cultural programme organised by the Sirajganj District Administration at the Sirajganj Shilpakala Academy auditorium to mark International Mother Language Day and Martyrs' Day, Tuku emphasized the importance of understanding the history of Bangla.

"A nation that does not know its own history can never progress. We have not made enough effort to properly understand our own language, which is why nationalism does not grow strongly among us," he said.

He expressed concern over the use of certain slogans by the younger generation. "If we truly reflected on the Bangla language, today's Gen Z would not chant 'Inquilab Zindabad.' When they say 'Inquilab,' it causes me pain. I went to the Liberation War to bring change to society. I was ready to sacrifice my life for that change. But now I see society moving in the opposite direction. We are hearing new words like 'Inquilab,' 'Inquilab Mancha,' and 'Azadi,'" he added.