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Published : 06 Aug 2025, 06:29 AM
A group of freedom fighters of the 1971 war has launched a new platform titled “Mancha 71”, aiming to safeguard the dignity of war veterans and counter the distortion of Bangladesh’s Liberation War history.
Formed through an alliance of freedom fighters, youth leaders, and student representatives, the initiative is being jointly coordinated by Abdullah Al Mahmud Bir Pratik and senior Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan Panna.
In a media statement issued on Tuesday, the organisers described the Liberation War as the nation’s most glorious and self-sacrificial chapter, achieved through the blood of martyrs and the sacrifice of millions.
However, the group expressed concern over what they see as a “growing effort to erase or distort this history”.
They criticised recent declarations and statements following the July Uprising, which they believe undermine the ideals of the Liberation War.
According to them, such distortion is causing distress among war veterans.
The statement announced that in response to such concerns, war veterans, youth, and student representatives have united under Mancha 71 to resist attempts to erase or distort the Liberation War’s history.
The platform has outlined the following five demands:
• The July Declaration must not contain any statements or interpretations that conflict with the history or spirit of the Liberation War. If any such disrespectful content is included, it will be completely rejected.
• The public will not accept any initiative to rewrite the constitution in a way that ignores the Liberation War’s historical significance.
• Freedom fighters must not be collectively blamed for the crimes or failures of any political party.
• All individuals involved in distorting history, inciting hatred against the Liberation War, or disrespecting freedom fighters must be arrested and tried for treason.
• The caretaker government led by Muhammad Yunus must clarify its position on the Liberation War: what it believes, what it intends to do, and what it will not do.
The platform warned that if these demands are ignored and the Liberation War continues to be undermined, they will announce further action in Dhaka with the support of the public. They stressed that the movement is not aligned with any political party but is solely focused on protecting the Liberation War and its history.
Speaking to bdnews24.com, Gano Forum leader Abdullah said that recent attempts to equate the 2024 uprising with the Liberation War were misleading and unacceptable.
He argued that the Liberation War was about the creation of a nation, whereas the 2024 movement only brought about a change in government.
“The Liberation War is slowly being sidelined, and as freedom fighters, we cannot allow this to happen while we are still alive. This platform is not created to serve any political party’s purpose, our goal is to protect the legacy of the Liberation War.” he said.
He added that Mancha 71 would soon hold a press conference to outline its action plan.
