“Zia used students as tools to strengthen his power that he grabbed illegally. The Chhatra Dal was established by leading the student leaders astray. Gradually, a corrupt trend in student politics grew up,” he said in a statement on Monday (April 1).

Chhatra League’s contribution to the Liberation War is undeniable, the former chief of the Awami League student front said. More than 17,000 leaders and activists of this organisation sacrificed their lives in the Great War of Liberation.

“It is an organisation governed by a specific constitution and principles. It doesn’t believe in occupation,” he said.

Quader rued the BNP leaders’ lack of understanding of the fact that if they continue to lie about the Liberation War, they will further alienate themselves from the people.

“When they came to power, they created a trend of anti-national politics by distorting history and creating anti-Awami League rhetoric and continuing to strengthen it. In this continuation, they are continuing attempts to stir controversy about the declaration of independence,” the Awami League number two said.

Claiming that the contribution of Bangabandhu and Awami League to the Liberation War was established on a logical basis, Quader said: “Bangladesh, Awami League and Bangabandhu are one and the same. Making a statement against Bangabandhu and Awami League is taking a stand against history. And the defeat of those nations or groups who stand against history is inevitable.”

He said the leaders of BNP are making false and fabricated statements aboutQ torture. Legal action was taken against them as they walked the path of terror and violence to thwart the parliamentary elections.

Noting that the government has not established a reign of terror, the general secretary of Awami League said they will do everything to protect the people.