DHAKA, Jan 16, 2023 (BSS) - Bangabandhu Parishad has protested BNP leaders Gayeshwar Chandra Roy and Abdul Awal Mintu's audacious and derogatory comments over the country's independence and the constitution.

Bangabandhu Parishad acting President and Dhaka University (DU) former Vice-Chancellor Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique and General Secretary Professor ABM Faroque issued a statement today protesting the comments.

In the statement, they said Bangladesh had achieved independence through Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his colleague national leaders' continuous struggle against repression and exploitation of Pakistani rulers for long two and half decades and the great Liberation War in 1971.

During the long struggle, many people embraced martyrdom and numerous people were tortured in many ways, they said.

They said 30 lakh people embraced martyrdom and lakhs of mothers, sisters and daughters were raped in 1971 Liberation War solely.

Noting Gayeshwar Roy's comment that Bangladesh's independence came by chance, they said the BNP leader extremely insulted the sacrifice of martyrs. 

Abdul Awal Mintu commented that none of those who prepared the country's constitution were eligible persons and he announced the country's constitution will be rewritten if BNP again goes to power, they mentioned, adding that such comments are revelation of deep-rooted conspiracy against Bangladesh.

Bangabandhu Parishad leaders said only those, who become leaders by chance of the party which was born from the 'pocket' of military officers without showing respect to people, can make such foolish and unrealistic comments over the country's independence and constitution.

In the statement, they said the comments of BNP leaders are tantamount to sedition. 

They also demanded bringing the BNP leaders to book under the existing law.