Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called on the people of Bangladesh to unite in defence of the nation's independence, sovereignty, democracy, and fundamental human rights.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, marking Mass Uprising Day, Tarique highlighted the historic significance of January 24, 1969, a pivotal day in Bangladesh's history that marked the start of a critical journey toward independence.

"January 24, 1969, is a landmark in our national history. The mass uprising of that day holds profound meaning for our nation, as it was the beginning of our decisive path toward independence," he said.

Tarique also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the 1969 mass movement and other democratic struggles, offering prayers for the eternal peace of their departed souls.

Recalling the events of that day, he noted that after a prolonged movement, on January 24, 1969, students and citizens were united to resist the colonial misrule of the then-Pakistani regime. The mass movement intensified and eventually culminated in a mass uprising, leading to the fall of the military dictator.
 
“The mass uprising of 1969 paved the way for our independence,” Rahman said, adding, “Its core objective was to transition from autocracy to democracy, establish multiparty political practices, foster freedom of thought and expression, and restore the civil liberties of the people”.
 
Tarique Rahman called upon the people to remain united in the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights being inspired by the spirit of the mass uprising.