Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
India's support for Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971 was primarily motivated by a desire to protect its own interests, particularly the Seven Sister states, said Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, today (4 January).
Speaking at a roundtable in Chattogram city, he also voiced apprehension about potential unrest in Chattogram Port, hilly areas, and among hill people.
The discussion, on resisting the political and cultural dominance of India, solving the regional problems of Chattogram and the need for national unity to establish a non-discriminatory welfare state, was held at the conference lounge of Polo Ground field in the port city.
Sarjis said, "The current generation are not blind followers but guardians of conscience. This generation will rise against immorality."
He further claimed that over the past 15 years, Bangladesh has been subjected to India's dominance, directly and indirectly.
He accused former prime minister Sheikh Hasina of showing arrogance and a lack of remorse for past murders in the country.
Speaking as the chief guest, Islami Andolon Bangladesh Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim said politics should serve the welfare of the Islam, country, and humanity.
He criticised past leaders for prioritising their own interests over the well-being of the people.
Shahjahan Chowdhury, chief of Jamaat-e-Islami's Chattogram metropolitan unit, highlighted the multifaceted threats facing Chattogram, including the ongoing issues in the hill tracts.
"India has been plotting against Bangladesh for 83 years, not just 53," he said.
The Jamaat leader questioned the transparency of agreements signed with India and criticised the Awami League for failing to fulfil its promises.
He stressed the need for national unity to overcome these challenges and safeguard the country's political and cultural identity.
Several other leaders of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, BNP, Jamaat, Islami Andolon, National Citizens Committee, and Khelafat Majlish also spoke at the discussion.
