Dreams of 1971 undone by a political group's failures: Asif Nazrul

He says the July uprising embodied the determination, love, and patriotism that drove freedom fighters to join the liberation struggle

Law Advisor Asif Nazrul believes that the dreams that inspired Bangladesh's liberation struggle in 1971 have been shattered due to the failure of a single political party and stressed the need to avoid repeating such mistakes.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday after paying tribute at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur, he said, “Despite the immense sacrifices of countless people and martyrs in 1971, we failed to build the Bangladesh we had envisioned. This failure was rooted in the shortcomings and one-party mentality of a single group. We must ensure that history does not repeat itself.”

“Today, we remember and honour the martyred intellectuals with respect, admiration, and love. They fought for freedom, democracy, and the rights of the people.”

Referring to the July uprising that ended the 15-year rule of the Awami League, he said, “The determination, love, and patriotism that drove the freedom fighters to join the liberation struggle continued through the July uprising. In that movement, we saw students risking their lives for democracy, human rights, and the establishment of a society free from discrimination. Standing here at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial today brings their sacrifices to mind.”

Nazrul emphasised that the sacrifices of the country's youth that gave the nation a "second chance" to rebuild must be honoured.