A new platform called Moncho 71 (Stage 71) has been launched with the aim of preserving the true history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and defending the honor of freedom fighters.
This platform brings together valiant freedom fighters, representatives of the new generation, and members of the general public.
The initiative is being coordinated by Bir Protik Professor Abdullah Al Mahmud and senior Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan Panna.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, August 5, Moncho 71 announced a five-point set of demands to safeguard the ideals of the Liberation War and protect the dignity of those who fought for the country’s independence.
The statement described the Liberation War as “the most glorious and self-sacrificial chapter of the Bengali nation’s history,” achieved through the blood of hundreds of thousands of martyrs, the sacrifice of mothers and sisters, and the unwavering spirit of millions who dreamed of a free, dignified Bangladesh.
It warned that there is now a “deep-rooted conspiracy” to erase and distort this proud history. The statement pointed to recent so-called declarations and statements following the August uprising, accusing them of attempting to diminish and insult the ideals of the Liberation War. Freedom fighters, it said, are deeply hurt and outraged by these distortions.
In response, freedom fighters, young people, and representatives of student and public groups have united under the banner of Moncho 71 to resist all efforts to rewrite or undermine Liberation War history.
The platform’s five-point demands are as follows:
The July Declaration must not contain any language or interpretations conflicting with the ideals and history of the Liberation War. If any elements are disrespectful to independence or the Liberation War, they must be completely rejected.
The Bengali nation will never accept any attempt to erase Liberation War values and achievements in the name of formulating a so-called new constitution.
Freedom fighters must not be broadly blamed for the crimes or failures of any political party.
Anyone involved in distorting the Liberation War’s history, spreading hatred against it, or insulting freedom fighters must be prosecuted and arrested on charges of sedition without delay.
The interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus must clearly state its position on the Liberation War—what it believes, what it intends to do, and what it will not do.
The press release warned that if these demands were ignored and any declaration tried to distort or insult the spirit of the Liberation War, Moncho 71 would announce its future action programs in Dhaka, mobilizing the people of the country. The platform declared that this movement is not for or against any political party, but in defense of the Liberation War, the nation, and its blood-stained history. It affirmed that if necessary, Moncho 71 stands ready to sacrifice alongside the new generation and the people of Bangladesh to preserve this history.
Speaking to reporters about the initiative, Bir Protik Professor Abdullah Al Mahmud said, “The mission of this platform is to ensure that the glorious history and heritage of our Liberation War are never belittled. We are trying to unite freedom fighters, commanders, and military leaders from across the country. Many have already expressed support, and we will soon announce further details officially.”
