Kader Gani Chowdhury, Member Secretary of Bangladesh Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad (BSPP), has said that the true message of February 21 is to never bow down and to retain people’s ownership of the country and their rights.
He said this while speaking to journalists after placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar on behalf of the council on Friday (February 21).
Mr. Chowdhury said that for the past 17 years, the spirit of Ekushey has been undermined through suppression of freedom of speech, democracy, and voting rights.
He said that the fall of fascism came through student and public uprisings, and now it is time to return the ownership of the country to the people by ensuring their right to vote.
Only elected representatives have the legitimate authority to bring reforms, he added.
At this time Mr. Chowdhury underscored that denying people’s voting rights is a form of fascism and a betrayal of the martyrs' sacrifices.
Kader Gani Chowdhury said the spirit of Ekushey has always inspired people to resist oppressive forces that violate fundamental rights, and it has done so once again. The sacrifices of the language martyrs continue to inspire protests against injustice and the fight for rights.
He also said that February 21 was the first step toward national identity, self-determination, and ultimate independence, proving that the struggle for language was the beginning of the broader movement for freedom.
He further said that February 21 symbolizes the eternal fight for human rights and freedom. However, this spirit has been repeatedly challenged in Bangladesh, and the nation must remain vigilant.
Highlighting the sacrifices of the language martyrs, he said that their struggle paved the way for democratic and self-rule movements, eventually leading to the Liberation War and the establishment of an independent Bangladesh.
Among those present were central leaders of the council, including Professor Dr. Lutfar Rahman, Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan, Professor Abul Kalam, Jahanara Begum, cultural personality Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Ujjal, Engineer Mohammad Hanif, Biplobuzzaman Biplob, Hafizur Rahman, Engineer Zahirul Islam Jewel, Engineer Enam, and Engineer Aminul Islam Amin.
BDST: 1334 HRS, FEB 21, 2025
MSK
