Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said the country should be rebuilt following the spirit of the Liberation War.
He said this while speaking as chief guest at a program celebrating "Teliapara Day-2026" at Teliapara Tea Garden at Madhabpur in Habiganj district.
Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan and State Minister Ishraque Hossain attended the event as special guests. The program was led by freedom fighter Golam Mustafa Rafiq Mirza Fakhrul said the Liberation War is a very important part of the country's identity, pride, tradition and existence. He said the main military plan of the Liberation War was made in Teliapara. After this plan, the war began in an organized way and helped lead to victory.
He said some people have tried to reduce the importance of the Liberation War adding that the country has always moved forward with the spirit of the liberation war and will continue to do so.
The minister asked local Members of Parliament to take quick steps to improve the living conditions of tea garden workers. He warned party leaders and activists to stay careful and united. He mentioned that party chairman Tarique Rahman had said it is better to have no one than bad guys around.
Fakhrul said the Liberation War was not started by on order of a person. In 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman went to Pakistan as a prisoner. On the night of March 25, during the attack by Pakistani forces, Major Ziaur Rahman declared independence.
He also said army members asked Begum Khaleda Zia for advice. She told them not to surrender. Later, she went to Dhaka with her children and was arrested by the Pakistani army.
He said the Liberation War officially began from Teliapara under the leadership of Colonel Ataul Gani Osmani, based on the plan of Major Ziaur Rahman. He claimed that this part of history has been ignored and should be shared with people.
The minister said he feels sad when some politicians try to reduce the importance of the Liberation War and repeated it is a key part of Bangladesh's identity and pride.
