Md. Moniruzzaman, Mymensingh;
Freedom fighters have boycotted the Independence and National Day celebrations organized by the upazila administration in Haluaghat in protest against the devaluation of the Liberation War. At the same time, the upazila BNP and its affiliated organizations publicly announced a boycott through microphones and condemned the incident. The incident took place at a function organized on the grounds of Government Adarsh ​​High School in the city on Thursday (March 26) morning.The freedom fighters said that they faced various forms of mismanagement and neglect while attending the event. There are allegations that they were not provided with proper seating arrangements, were not given the opportunity to speak, and were not shown the necessary respect overall.
 In this situation, the freedom fighters, expressing their anger, broke out in protest at the venue. Later, they left the venue and marched in a protest procession, circling the main road of the city, and gathered at the Liberation War Memorial for a protest meeting. Upazila freedom fighter commander Bir Muktijoddha Kazim Uddin, wartime commander Professor Amjad Ali and Haluaghat Sadar Union commander Sahammad Ali among others spoke at the protest meeting. The speakers at the meeting said, “This is the first time after so many years of independence that we have been subjected to such underestimation and neglect. It is very sad and unacceptable not to give due respect to freedom fighters at a national day event.” When asked about the boycott, Upazila BNP convener Aslam Mia Babul said, “The freedom fighters have been disrespected by the Upazila administration. We strongly condemn and protest against this and boycotted this program.” The incident has created a huge stir across the upazila. Local activists have demanded that those involved be held accountable and that the freedom fighters be shown due respect in future National Day celebrations. In this regard, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (Acting) Jannat said, “No one except the president and the chief guest has the opportunity to speak on the main stage. Even though the freedom fighters were called to express their feelings on the general stage, they left the venue.”
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