AL used Liberation War spirit, another now cashes in July Uprising: Kaikobad

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad has accused Awami League of exploiting the spirit of the Liberation War for political gain, alleging that another political party is now doing the same with the spirit of the July Mass Uprising.

“Awami League conducted political business using the spirit of the Liberation War. Now another party is doing similar business by exploiting the spirit of the July Mass Uprising,” he said indicating towards Jamaat-e-Islami on Monday at a programme at the Upazila Muktijoddha Complex in Muradnagar, where he distributed financial assistance from his personal funds to freedom fighters and financially disadvantaged members of the Hindu community.

Kaikobad said, “BNP does not want to use either spirit for political interests. Rather, we want to ensure due respect and dignity for everyone, from freedom fighters to those who participated in July movement.” 

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had made it clear that everyone would be accorded due respect and that the country must move forward upholding the spirit of both Liberation War and July uprising, he added.

Emphasising communal harmony, Kaikobad said protecting the lives, property and dignity of religious minorities was a sacred responsibility. He also expressed gratitude to members of the Hindu community for supporting him in the election and standing by him during his imprisonment.

The minister recalled the contribution of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman to the Liberation War, describing him as a freedom fighter.

He also highlighted government initiatives, including the proposed Farmer Card and Family Card, allowances for imams, muezzins and religious leaders, disability benefits, an expatriate card and the revival of canal excavation programmes.

Expressing dissatisfaction with examination results in Muradnagar, he warned that he would recommend the suspension of MPO facilities for educational institutions that perform poorly for two or three consecutive examinations.