Brave freedom fighter Major Dalim (Bir Uttam) responded to all the questions from the last 50 years.
After years of staying out of the public spotlight, freedom fighter Major Shariful Haque Dalim (Bir Bikrom) has finally broken his silence. On Sunday, January 5, he appeared on a live show to discuss key figures in Bangladesh’s history, including the nation’s founding father Shei Mujibur Rahman and former president Ziaur Rahman.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Death and Military Coup
Major Dalim asserted that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s death was not a natural occurrence, but a result of being killed during a military coup. He stated, “After BAKSAL fell, millions of people flooded the streets in celebration.” According to Dalim, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s rule was marked by autocratic behavior and oppression, which, he claimed, led people to yearn for relief from his governance.
Liberation War and Ziaur Rahman’s Role
Reflecting on the 1971 Liberation War, Major Dalim pointed out the leadership vacuum during the initial stages of the conflict. He explained, “When the Pakistani forces attacked the Bengalis, many leaders fled to India, leaving the people without guidance.” He credited Major Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence as a key moment that inspired him and many others to join the fight against Pakistan. “At the time, I was serving in the Pakistan Army,” he noted, “and his courageous declaration motivated us to take action.”
Independence Dreams and India’s Influence
Major Dalim expressed concern over the seven-point agreement with India during the Liberation War, suggesting that it posed a threat to Bangladesh’s sovereignty. “The agreement clearly showed that we were gradually becoming subordinate to India,” he remarked.
He also urged the youth and leaders behind the 2024 mass uprising to take a stand. “We must break free from India’s expansionist and Hindutva-driven policies,” he emphasized. “Like in 1971, we need another struggle for independence, or else the revolution will fail.”
National Anthem Debate
On the topic of the national anthem, Major Dalim voiced a controversial opinion. He argued, “Instead of Rabindranath Tagore’s song, we could have had a national anthem composed by Kazi Nazrul Islam or other distinguished Bengali poets.” He criticized the decision to choose a song by a foreign poet as the national anthem, calling it an unprecedented decision in global history.
Public Reaction
Major Dalim’s forthright remarks on Bangladesh’s history quickly spread across social media, sparking a heated debate. His statements have ignited discussions about their meaning and impact, with many weighing in on the
