Desk Report,
‘Stage 71’ debuts to preserve the history of the Liberation War
A new platform called ‘Mancha 71’ has emerged to demand the prevention of distortion of the history of the Liberation War and the protection of the honor of the freedom fighters. This platform has been formed by representatives of the brave freedom fighters, the new generation and students and the public. Professor Abdullah Al Mahmud (Bir Pratik) and senior lawyer of the Supreme Court ZI Khan Panna are coordinating this platform.
‘Stage 71’ debuts to preserve the history of the Liberation War
This information was revealed in a press release today, Tuesday. The release raised five-point demands on behalf of the Liberation War and the freedom fighters. The press release said, ‘The Great Liberation War is the most glorious and self-sacrificing history of the Bengali nation. The freedom achieved through the blood of millions of martyrs, the honor of mothers and sisters and the great sacrifice of crores of people is not just a territory, not a flag, not a national anthem, but a glorious chapter in the continuous struggle of the Bengali nation to establish its thousand-year dream, consciousness and self-respect. But we are observing with great pain, anger and disappointment that today a deep conspiracy is going on to erase the history of the great Liberation War. In the various declarations and statements made after the August Uprising, a despicable attempt is being made to belittle the history and ideals of the great Liberation War before the nation. The heroic freedom fighters are deeply shocked and angry at the attempt to reject the Liberation War through historical distortion.’
The notification further states, ‘In this context, the heroic freedom fighters of Bangladesh, the new generation and representatives of the students and the public have organized and united under the banner of Manch 71 to stop the distortion of the history of the Liberation War.’
The notification made five demands, including preventing the distortion of the history of the Liberation War, resisting the conspiracy to erase history and protecting the honor of the heroic freedom fighters. The demands are—1. It must be ensured that the July Declaration does not contain any statements or explanations that contradict the history and spirit of the Liberation War. If there is anything disrespectful against the Liberation War and independence in the July Declaration, it will be completely rejected.
2. The Bengali nation will never accept the malicious attempt to formulate a so-called new constitution by erasing the achievements, history and spirit of the Liberation War.
3. The heroic freedom fighters cannot be accused indiscriminately for the crimes and failures of any political party.
4. All those involved in distorting the history of the Liberation War, erasing history, spreading hatred and malice against the Liberation War, and humiliating the heroic freedom fighters must be immediately arrested and tried on charges of treason.
5. The interim government of Professor Muhammad Yunus must clarify its position on the Liberation War. They must say what they think, what they will and will not do.
The announcement of the program if these demands are not implemented states that if these suggestions are ignored and the history and tradition of the Liberation War are distorted and the Liberation War is disrespected through any so-called declaration, then Manch 71 will announce its future program in the capital Dhaka along with the countrymen. This movement is not for or against any political party or political group. It is for the Liberation War, for the country, for the blood-soaked history. The brave freedom fighters are ready to resist all conspiracies to erase the achievements of the nation. If necessary, Manch 71 is ready to sacrifice itself along with the new generation and the people of Bangladesh to protect history.
When asked about the overall situation, Professor Abdullah Al Mahmud Bir Protik told Prothom Alo, “This platform will work to ensure that the history and tradition of the great Liberation War are not belittled. We are trying to bring together freedom fighters, commanders, and generals from all over the country. Many have already agreed. We will officially inform everyone in detail soon.”
