Staff Reporter

BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said that, “The Zia family is a symbol of the country’s independence and sovereignty. Martyred President Ziaur Rahman led the great liberation war by declaring independence on March 26, 1971. As a result of his visionary leadership, we achieved a great victory on December 16.”

He made the remarks, while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting titled ‘Bangladesh’s 53rd Great Victory Day and Sovereignty’ organized by the Australia BNP at the local Lakemba Library Hall on Wednesday (December 18).

AFM Tauhid Islam presided over the meeting. The meeting began with the recitation of the Quran by Australia BNP General Secretary Mohammad Haider Ali.

Tuku further said, “Inspired by Ziaur Rahman’s declaration, I joined in the great liberation war. The Zia family has led the country, whenever it faced any crisis. During the three-term rule of the country’s leader Begum Khaleda Zia, she was resolute and uncompromising on the issue of independence and sovereignty.”

Abu Sayeed, a law lecturer at Jahangirnagar University and PhD researcher based in Australia, and Lima Akhter Ahona, gave important speech in the academic discussion on independence and sovereignty.

Australia BNP Treasurer Manjurul Haque Alamgir prayed for the 3 million martyrs killed in the great liberation war of 1971.

At the beginning, BNP leader Azijun Nahar Malar performed the national and party anthems of Bangladesh.

Other speakers at the event included Australia BNP Senior Vice President and International Secretary of the Volunteer Party Ami Ferdous, Australia BNP Vice President Mobarak Hossain, Victoria BNP Representative Dr. Shahabuddin Ahmed, Australia BNP Vice President and Western Australia BNP Representative Kamal Hossain, Tasmania BNP Representative Mahfuzur Rahman, Queensland BNP Representative Jahangir Hossain, Australia BNP Women’s Affairs Secretary Abida Sultana, Australia Volunteer Party Member Secretary Zahidur Rahman, Australia Jubo Dal Convener Jahangir Alam, and others.