The soldiers of the East Bengal Regiment spearheaded the great liberation war of 1971, with Major Ziaur Rahman, the deputy commander of the 8th East Bengal Regiment, making the announcement. His declaration of independence inspired and energised the nation, although it stirred jealousy within the Awami League, which had not planned such an announcement. Ziaur Rahman was falsely accused of various offences in the aftermath.

Major Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom, a valiant freedom fighter on the battlefield, discussed these events in an exclusive interview with Bangla Outlook on the 54th Independence Day, as recounted by Bangla Outlook's Dhaka representative.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, having completed his studies, was commissioned into the Pakistan Army in 1968. He joined the 1st East Bengal Regiment as an officer. In March 1971, while on winter training with his unit in Jagdishpur, a remote area of Jessore, they were recalled after March 25th and returned to the cantonment on March 29th. Later, he rebelled and became the first officer to join the war effort in Jessore Cantonment. Following the resistance against the Pakistan Army, he went to India. Throughout the war, he played a significant role in battles such as Kamalpur, Dhalai BOP, Kanighat, and MC College of Sylhet. He was awarded the title of Bir Bikrom for his bravery in the War of Liberation.

Bangla Outlook: Who was the first to take up arms?

Major Hafiz: The year 1971 marked a proud moment for our nation. Those who did not witness the tumultuous events of that time would struggle to comprehend the essence of our nation during that period. The Pakistanis held disdain for us, often remarking, 'They eat fish, they are not a martial race, they are not a superior race at all'. However, the liberation war of 1971 demonstrated our bravery as a nation. I was the first to rebel in Jessore Cantonment, leading 200 soldiers of the 1st East Bengal Regiment. At that time, I was the sole officer in the rebellion. Upon leaving the cantonment, I was met with thousands of students and youths rushing towards us, many of whom were ordinary students from schools and colleges, everyday people, untouched by politics. They approached us, pleading, 'Sir, give us weapons, we will fight'.

Bengali Outlook: Who primarily led this war?

Major Hafiz: The liberation war was spearheaded by the soldiers of the East Bengal Regiment and initiated by Major Ziaur Rahman, Deputy Commander of the 8th East Bengal Regiment. His proclamation of independence served as a source of inspiration and unity for the nation, though it stirred jealousy within the Awami League, who lacked plans for such a declaration. Major Zia's decisive action on behalf of the soldiers exacerbated this jealousy within the Awami League. He faced various false accusations as a consequence. Initially, the war was instigated by Bengali soldiers of the East Bengal Regiment and the EPR, with the active participation of thousands of students and youths. Hence, it's impossible to view this Declaration of Independence and the ensuing war in isolation.

Bangla Outlook: In what context did Major Zia declare independence?

Major Hafiz: The liberation war unfolded through various phases, beginning with the language movement 1952. Subsequently, students engaged in prolonged struggles against the Pakistani military junta. Finally, the watershed moment arrived with the great War of Independence in 1971. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who emerged victorious in the 1970 elections, is undoubtedly a remarkable leader. However, his advocacy primarily focused on the autonomy of East Pakistan, advocating for equal representation for Balochistan, Punjab, the Frontier Province, and Sindh within the Pakistani structure. The Awami League had championed this cause for 24 years, emphasising that East Pakistan should not be deprived. Yet, following the brutal crackdown on March 25th, a movement for one single demand ignited among Bengalis, spurred on by the East Bengal Regiment, EPR soldiers, and the influx of thousands of students and villagers. While political leadership sought power within Pakistan, the notion of independence had not been at the forefront of their agenda. However, in the wake of the March 25th genocide, Bengalis were compelled to contemplate independence. A dormant nation was awakened. If not for the armed leadership provided by us soldiers, this nation would not have attained independence; Pakistan would persist. As military personnel, we waited, anticipating Sheikh Mujib's declaration of independence. Yet, when Tajuddin Ahmed approached him with a tape recorder to make the declaration on March 25th around 9:30 pm, Sheikh Mujib hesitated, expressing reluctance, stating, 'I could not declare, I will be branded a separatist.' He hesitated to bear the responsibility of fracturing Pakistan. Nevertheless, the fervour of the masses intensified, and Bengali soldiers stood firm, seeking retribution for the genocide committed by the Pakistani forces. The war of 1971 was a people's war, transcending the boundaries of political affiliations.

Bengali Outlook: What kind of people were involved in the war effort?

Major Hafiz: People from various walks of life joined the struggle. In the Benapole region where I fought, we saw bus drivers, bus conductors, farmers, grocers, and even youths who had previously been involved in smuggling activities in the area joining us in the fight. The nation was facing dire circumstances, compelling individuals from diverse backgrounds to come forward and assert their presence by participating in the war effort.

Bangla Outlook: After so many years of independence, with the questions of declarations of independence, do you believe that the debate is insulting to the freedom fighters?

Major Hafiz: Absolutely, it is insulting. This debate is indicative of the current ruling party's attempt to distort history. It is common knowledge that Major Ziaur Rahman declared independence. However, they propagate the narrative that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made the declaration before his arrest, conveying it through a telephone call to the EPR's signal centre at night. This message was then transmitted from the EPR's signal centre to the outside world through the airwaves, intercepted by a foreign ship anchored in the outer anchorage of Chittagong. This ship relayed the message to one of the leaders in Chittagong. In reality, Bengali officers in Pilkhana were removed starting from March 23rd, with the Pakistanis taking control. Hundreds of EPR soldiers were mercilessly killed on the night of March 25th. However, there is no need for such fabrications to transmit this message. Sheikh Mujib is undeniably a great leader; he called for the non-cooperation movement, a fact acknowledged by us and even by Ziaur Rahman. However, since they did not actively pursue independence and had no involvement in the war, they concocted this myth to overshadow the contributions of ordinary soldiers and civilians.

Bangla Outlook: Why do you think the Awami League engages in such actions?

Major Hafiz: The Awami League's ascent to power in Bangladesh was fortuitous. Ordinary people fought the war, and the populace graciously embraced them into power. However, since their inception in 1972, they have relentlessly undermined democracy. They began their tenure by tampering with the DUCSU ballot papers in 1972, and the National Assembly elections of 1973 were marred by widespread rigging, including candidate manipulation and ballot box theft, laying bare their true intentions. Their authoritarian tendencies culminated in the BaKSAL 1975, revealing their disdain for democratic principles. Over the past 16 years of their rule, corruption has permeated every level of government, and the ordinary people have been deprived of their rights. The democracy that was fought for in 1971 has been relegated to exile, leaving the people devoid of voting rights, freedom of expression, and an independent judiciary. Bangladesh has regressed into a police state under the Awami League's governance. They have failed to uphold the spirit of the liberation war. President Ziaur Rahman, a martyr, declared independence, and his party, the BNP, comprising armed freedom fighters, has consistently upheld the ideals of the liberation war.

Bangla Outlook: Given the current circumstances, what message do you have for the common people on this Independence Day?

Major Hafiz: When we were young, we achieved independence and an independent state through the bloodshed and sacrifices of countless individuals. However, the true essence of the liberation war remains unrealized. Democracy was the fundamental spirit of our struggle, yet it is banished from our nation today. Therefore, we urge the people to join us in reclaiming democracy by taking to the streets and reviving the spirit of the 1971 liberation war through determined movements and struggles. We aspire to see the people's voices and rights reflected in our nation's governance. The objective of the War of Liberation is to inspire ordinary people to fight for the establishment of equality, human dignity, and democracy. Let us unite on the streets to overthrow the current regime of misrule.

Bangla Outlook: As freedom fighters, how do you plan to combat this misrule and restore the people's rights?

Major Hafiz: I have faith that the BNP, following the example of honesty and patriotism set by the martyred President Ziaur Rahman, will continue its movement throughout the country. We are determined to emerge victorious in this struggle. The objectives of the liberation war will ultimately be achieved under the leadership of the BNP. The resilient people of this nation will undoubtedly reclaim their rights.

Bangla Outlook: Thank you.

Major Hafiz: The gratitude is mutual. Thank you, Bangla Outlook.