BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has stated that, even 53 years after independence, the people of Bangladesh have not reaped its true benefits. In a statement marking Independence Day, he paid tribute to the nation’s martyrs, including former President Ziaur Rahman, and honored the sacrifices of mothers and sisters who fought for the country. He blamed fascist, authoritarian, and illegitimate forces for repeatedly obstructing democratic progress. He urged for the expulsion of these forces to rebuild Bangladesh.