Qader Gani Chowdhury, Member Secretary of the Bangladesh Combined Professional Council, stated that the essence of February 21 is to uphold rights and sovereignty without submission. He emphasized that for the past 17 years, voting rights, freedom of speech, and democracy were suppressed, undermining the spirit of February 21. He highlighted the importance of reclaiming people's ownership through democratic means following the recent student-led uprising against fascism. He further asserted that only elected representatives have the right to implement reforms and recognized February 21 as the first step toward independence.