Fakhrul backs Tarique

Senior BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has now come out in support of Tarique Rahman who recently came under fire from the Awami League leaders for his claim that Ziaur Rahman was Bangladesh's 'first president' and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the first 'illegal prime minister' of the country.

The BNP acting Secretary General on Tuesday said the ruling party leaders were running 'propaganda' against Tarique for saying 'historical truth'.

Tarique, who is the party's Senior Vice-Chairman, made his claim regarding Bangabandhu at a programme in London on Apr 8.

Two weeks earlier, at another event there, he had claimed that his father Zia was the first president of Bangladesh.

Senior Awami League leaders slammed the elder son of Zia and BNP chief Khaleda Zia after he made those remarks. Some of them even demanded that Tarique be sued for sedition after bringing him back to the country.

Ruling party Advisory Council member Tofail Ahmed also called him 'an idiot' for claiming that Bangabandhu was an 'illegal prime minister'.

BNP spokesperson Mirza Fakhrul on Tuesday at a meeting at National Press Club said, "The Awami League could have proved him (Tarique) wrong if his remarks or information were wrong. But they are just slandering."

Hinting towards Tofail, he said, "Where was he on Aug 15, 1975? He was the in-charge of Rakshi Bahini."

"Many Awami League leaders are talking big now, but none of them, except Bangabir Kader Siddiqui, were seen protesting in 1975."

"Everyone knows who declared the independence in 1971 and who crossed border to spend luxurious time in Kolkata at that time," said Fakhrul.