If Bangabandhu hadn't been born, the country wouldn't have been independent in 1971: Asif Nazrul

Former Law Advisor Asif Nazrul has commented that "Bangladesh would not have achieved independence in 1971 if Bangabandhu had not been born." He made this statement in a Facebook post expressing his respect and love for Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

In his Facebook post on the occasion of Bangabandhu's 51st death anniversary, Asif Nazrul wrote, "There are many reasons to pay respect and love to Bangabandhu. I have said it before, and I still believe, that if he had not been born, our country would not have been independent, at least not in 1971."

Citing Mujibur Rahman's role in Bangladesh's independence and rights movement from 1948 to 1971, he said, "His contribution to the independence and rights movement of Bangladesh from 1948 to 1971 is undeniable and unparalleled. He is the architect of our independence."

However, Asif Nazrul also criticized Bangabandhu's tenure in power. He wrote, "But he was not competent in running the country. Running post-1971 Bangladesh was also extremely difficult for various reasons. But none of this justifies his gradual transformation into an increasingly tyrannical and authoritarian ruler from 1972 onwards."

He also highlighted the famine, indiscriminate killings, and the establishment of one-party rule during Bangabandhu's tenure, stating, "The realities of the famine, indiscriminate killings, and the establishment of one-party rule during his tenure cannot be concealed by anything."

Nevertheless, Asif Nazrul said that he loves and respects Bangabandhu for his long political role in Bangladesh's liberation struggle. He wrote, "Despite remembering the memories of his few years of misrule, many people loved and respected him for his lifelong contribution to Bangladesh's liberation struggle. I am one of them."

In his statement, the former law adviser also criticized Sheikh Hasina's rule. He said, "For people like me, Sheikh Hasina's rule makes it difficult to express this love. Her rule was a heinous example of identity-based fascism."

Asif Nazrul also commented that Sheikh Hasina used her father's political identity to sustain her own rule. He wrote, "She arbitrarily used her father to impose her cruel and heinous rule. This is what made Bangabandhu an adversary of the July Uprising."

Asif Nazrul wrote, "Bangabandhu's second death occurred during Sheikh Hasina's time, largely at her hands."

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated along with his family at his residence at 32 Dhanmondi on August 15, 1975. Recalling the day, Asif Nazrul concluded his post by paying tribute: "Love for Bangabandhu. Prayers."