Bloodstained Struggles for Freedom Will Never Fail: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir

BNP Secretary General and veteran freedom fighter Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir reflected on the indomitable spirit of the nation’s struggle for freedom, stating that a bloodstained fight for independence can never fail. "The struggle for the freedom of a country’s people is never in vain. We believe our Liberation War, as a people's war, will always succeed," he shared in an exclusive interview with BSS on the eve of Independence Day.

Fakhrul, who actively participated in the war, recalled how his family feared for his life, but his optimism remained unwavering. “Though we knew it would take time, we were certain Bangladesh would gain independence,” he said.

Reflecting on whether they achieved the Bangladesh they envisioned, Fakhrul expressed disappointment: "No, the Bangladesh we fought for has not materialized. We envisioned a nation free from discrimination and exploitation, but sadly, we are not there yet."

He recounted his experiences during the Liberation War, remembering how, at just 25 years old, he was in Thakurgaon when the crackdown began. Despite the curfew and heavy firing on March 25, 1971, he and others remained determined. The following day, they heard Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence, fueling their resolve to resist.

Fakhrul shared how they took action by collecting arms and cutting vital bridges to prevent the Pakistani army from advancing. "We had a small team, but we were driven by unity and resistance," he explained. The group later fled to India for safety, where they continued their work, establishing youth camps and organizing training for freedom fighters in cooperation with the Indian military.

"March 26 marked the beginning of our struggle, and the declaration by Ziaur Rahman pushed us all to fight for independence," Fakhrul said. He also criticized the denial of this declaration in recent years, asserting, "Ziaur Rahman’s declaration is undeniable. It’s the truth of our history."

Addressing his father’s legacy, Fakhrul rejected claims that his father was a collaborator. "My father was a progressive figure, not a reactionary," he stated, emphasizing his father’s contributions to building schools and his long tenure as chairman of Thakurgaon municipality.

He also discussed the challenges faced by leftist political figures during the war, saying that their involvement in the liberation struggle was hindered by both Indian authorities and the Awami League leadership. "The greatest challenge was working under such opposition," he recalled, underscoring the struggles faced by those not aligned with the mainstream political parties of the time.

Fakhrul’s reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the Liberation War and the continuing fight for the true ideals of freedom, justice, and equality in Bangladesh.