Division Over Independence After 54 Years Is Not Desirable: Salahuddin Ahmad

On Saturday noon, Salahuddin Ahmad, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, delivered the keynote address at a roundtable discussion held at the CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital, Dhaka. He emphasized that creating divisions among the people by labeling them as pro- or anti-independence is not desirable for a unified nation.

Speaking at the event titled “Indigenous Peoples, Ethnic Minorities, and National Security Considerations in the Context of Bangladesh,” organized by the CHT Research Foundation, Salahuddin Ahmad said, “It cannot be our goal to divide a united nation by labeling people as for or against independence, 54 years after our liberation. None of us can wish for such a division after all these years.”

He further remarked, “We have witnessed attempts to divide this nation for various political motives. Even 54 years after independence, divisions have been created among us in the name of pro- and anti-independence. The commercialization and politicization of the spirit of the Liberation War have led to this division, and we must move away from this mindset.”

Salahuddin Ahmad added, “All the people of Bangladesh embraced the Liberation War. Even those who did not participate in armed struggle supported it mentally and stood in favor of independence.” He noted that even those labeled as anti-independence have not openly expressed sentiments denying the country’s sovereignty. “Some may have had different thoughts and may not have fully accepted independence, but no one has shown the audacity to make divisive statements rejecting it. We have not seen such actions to date,” he said. Highlighting concerns about the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), Salahuddin Ahmad called for vigilance, pointing out that an international agenda has long been in play in the region. Referring to recent incidents involving the Kuki-Chin group, he said these events have raised concerns among the public and security forces. “What we see on the surface has underlying causes behind the scenes,” he added. He further cautioned, “There is a plan by certain global powers involving our hill tracts, parts of India, and Myanmar. They may want to reshape this region for their own purposes. I won’t elaborate further today, but we must remain vigilant to ensure that no national or international plans succeed in destabilizing our land.” Stressing national unity, Salahuddin Ahmad said, “Everyone living in Bangladesh must identify as Bangladeshi. All ethnic groups, tribes, and communities must come together to form a united nation. We shed blood in 1971 and again in 2024 to build a unified society and state.” The roundtable featured a keynote presentation by security analyst Major General (Retd.) Naim Ashfaq Chowdhury. The event was chaired by Mehedi Hasan, Chairman of the CHT Research Foundation. Other speakers included BNP Chairperson’s Defense Advisor Major General (Retd.) Fazle Elahi Akbar, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Naib-e-Ameer Shahjahan Chowdhury, BNP Media Cell Chairman Alamgir Mohammad Mawdud, Labour Party Chairman Mustafizur Rahman, and Amjanatar Dal’s Member Secretary Tarek Rahman. Among others present was AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman.

Additional speakers included Professor Muhammad Asaduzzaman, Director of the International Mother Language Institute; Mohammad Abdur Rob, Vice-Chancellor of Manarat International University; Major General (Retd.) Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Chairman of Osmany Centre for Peace and Security Studies; Professor Sukomal Barua of Dhaka University; Professor Sufi Mustafizur Rahman of Jahangirnagar University; Professor Kazi Mohammad Barkat Ali of Chittagong University; Professor Mohammad Tarek Fazl of Rajshahi University; defense analyst Brigadier General (Retd.) Abdullah Al Yusuf; former Khagrachhari District Council Chairman Babu Ruithi Karbari; and activist Thowai Ching Mong Shak.