Staff Reporter :
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said the ideals of the martyred intellectuals can only be realised through the establishment of the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and a political system that accommodates diverse opinions and paths in the post-fascist era.
In a statement issued to the media ahead of Martyred Intellectuals Day tomorrow, he said, “I express my profound respect for the martyred intellectuals — teachers, physicians, writers, journalists and artists — who were brutally killed by the occupying forces and their collaborators on December 14, 1971. I pray for eternal peace for their departed souls.”
Emphasising the significance of the day, the BNP leader said December 14 stands as a solemn reminder of the nation’s brightest sons.
“The martyred intellectuals, driven by deep patriotism, stood alongside the people. They resisted injustice and used their intellect and pens in support of the Liberation War,” he said.
He described the systematic killing of intellectuals as a grave conspiracy aimed at depriving the nation of its finest minds, adding that the loss on the eve of victory continues to cast a shadow of grief over the nation.
“Yet the values they upheld — knowledge, science, free thinking, and harmony beyond religion, race and community — remain a source of inspiration in the ongoing struggle to build a modern and progressive Bangladesh,” he added.
Tarique Rahman also expressed deep regret that the democratic aspirations of the martyred intellectuals remain unfulfilled.
“Their dream was to establish a modern democratic state. But even after more than five decades, that vision has not been realised. Democracy has repeatedly been pushed to the brink,” he said.
He further noted that prolonged one-party dominance has hindered democratic growth, while freedom of expression and independent thought continue to face serious constraints despite immense sacrifices.
Calling for unity, the BNP acting chairman urged the nation to work collectively to build the Bangladesh envisioned by the martyred intellectuals and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to their families.
