Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Minister and freedom fighter Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku emphasized on Thursday that Bangladesh was not created through any foreign conspiracy but emerged from the people’s struggle to secure rights and build a progressive nation.

“Bangladesh was not born as a result of any country’s conspiracy. It came into being to ensure people’s rights and establish a progressive state. The Liberation War was not fought to create a religion-based state,” he said.

Tuku made the remarks while addressing a reception for freedom fighters organized by the district administration at Shilpakala Academy auditorium at 11 AM, marking Independence and National Day 2026.

He described the Liberation War as a people’s movement, noting that ordinary working citizens played a crucial role in achieving the country’s independence. Referring to the events of 25 March 1971, Tuku condemned the brutal killings carried out by Pakistani forces and highlighted that the struggle for freedom continued throughout the war.

Freedom fighters, he said, joined the war to defend the country, its soil and sovereignty, not for personal gain.

He expressed concern that in recent years, the spirit of the Liberation War has sometimes been misused for political power and corruption.

Addressing the freedom fighters, Tuku urged vigilance, warning that the country was not liberated to establish a religion-based state and that anti-liberation forces could resurface if people remained inactive.

He also highlighted welfare measures for freedom fighters introduced during former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s tenure.

On another note, the minister criticized fuel shortages, stating that fuel which once lasted two days at pumps now runs out in just two hours.

“Where is this fuel going? No one will be allowed to siphon it off,” he said, calling on the administration to monitor the situation closely.

The programme, chaired by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Aminul Islam, also featured speeches by Police Superintendent Saiful Islam Santu and Azizur Rahman Dulal, district BNP vice-president and convener of Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal.

Other attendees included Deputy Director of Local Government Division Kamrul Islam, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Ganapati Roy, Sirajganj Municipality administrator Shahadat Hossain, Civil Surgeon Nurul Amin, district BNP general secretary Saidur Rahman Bacchu, former commanders of district and upazila freedom fighter commands, women freedom fighters and officials from various administrative bodies.

Freedom fighters were honoured with crests during the reception.