Home Minister pays tribute to Rajarbagh martyrs

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that Rajarbagh Police Lines was the first foundation for the declaration of Bangladesh's War of Independence. He made the remarks today while briefing journalists after laying a wreath at the Rajarbagh Police Memorial in the capital, paying tribute to the martyred police members of the Liberation War on the occasion of the Independence and National Day. The minister said that the first genocide of March 25, 1971, began at Rajarbagh Police Lines, which subsequently created the backdrop for the declaration of independence.

He noted that upon receiving news of the massacre, and then Major Ziaur Rahman declared rebellion in Chattogram and announced Bangladesh's independence in the early hours of March 26. Later, on March 27, he formally declared independence from the Kalurghat Radio Station, seeking international support. He described this sequence of events as the "true history" of Bangladesh's independence. Recalling the sacrifices of the martyrs, the minister said that the bloodshed of the police members at Rajarbagh marked the beginning of the Liberation War.

After the President and the Prime Minister paid tribute at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar, he also paid homage there as a member of the cabinet. He then visited the grave of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman before arriving at Rajarbagh. Expressing satisfaction over the resumption of the Independence Day parade after several years, he said it was a positive development and expressed hope that democratic practices would continue in line with the aspirations of the martyrs.

Responding to a question from journalists regarding the extradition of accused individuals in the Osman Hadi murder case from India, the minister said that a formal request has been sent through diplomatic channels via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The process is underway in accordance with the Extradition Treaty. On police reforms, the Home Minister said discussions are ongoing with several developed countries to enhance the capacity, training, and modernization of the police force. 

He added that fruitful talks were held recently with the Swiss Ambassador regarding cooperation in these areas. Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Monzur Morshed Chowdhury, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir, Acting Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Md Sarwar, along with other senior officials of Bangladesh Police, were present at the briefing.