Fakhrul claims Liberation War not directed by Sheikh Mujib

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has claimed that the Liberation War in 1971 was not fought under the directive of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The minister also stated that Mujib was imprisoned in Pakistan at the time.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an event marking historic Teliapara Day in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj today (4 April).

He said the war was conducted under the leadership of General MAG Osmani, with planning attributed to Ziaur Rahman.

According to Fakhrul, it was from Teliapara that the country was divided into sectors, and organised resistance against Pakistani forces began.

“On this day in 1971, an important meeting involving military and political leaders was held at a bungalow in the Teliapara tea garden near the India-Bangladesh border, which played a key role in organising the war effort,” he said.

He also mentioned Khaleda Zia, claiming she travelled to Dhaka wearing a burqa with her two young children during the war and described her as the country’s first female freedom fighter.

Alleging historical distortion, Fakhrul accused Bangladesh Awami League of failing to present the true history of the Liberation War and instead promoting a “distorted narrative”.

The programme, organised by the district unit command of Freedom Fighters’ Association, began at 11am with the laying of wreaths, followed by a discussion meeting in the afternoon.