CU Correspondent
Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haidar has remarked that the three state ideals declared in the Proclamation of Independence on April 10, 1971—equality, human dignity, and social justice—have not been implemented in Bangladesh even after 54 years.
He made this statement at a discussion meeting on campaign and publicity regarding the upcoming 13th National Parliament election held at the auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Chittagong University on Sunday afternoon (February 1).
Monir Haidar said, ‘In the Proclamation of Independence, we pledged before the world that the new state would be a state of equality, human dignity, and social justice. But unfortunately, after the formation of the state, those three ideals were not reflected in the fundamental principles of the constitution. It was like boarding the wrong train at the nation’s birth.’
He further said, ‘The main objective of independence achieved in 1971 through life and blood was to establish a state without discrimination. But in reality, equal opportunities for every citizen could never be ensured at any time. Human dignity has been violated repeatedly and social justice has not been established.’
Regarding the referendum, Monir Haidar said, ‘This is not a sudden decision. There is long thought and process behind it. This discussion is to remove the ambiguity that exists among the people. Today we have not come here just to listen to speeches and leave. We will clarify the issues that are unclear among us. Then each of us will deliver the truth to the people from our respective positions. This referendum is organized to establish equality, human dignity, and justice. Through this referendum, the aspirations of 54 years of independence will be realized.’
The discussion meeting was chaired by Bangladesh University Grants Commission member Professor Ayyub Islam. Speakers at the meeting included Chittagong University Vice-Chancellor Professor Yahya Akhtar, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Shamim Uddin Khan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Kamal Uddin, deans of faculties, and other attending teachers.