ASM Rab: Did not fight war to serve anyone

ASM Abdur Rab, president of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) said he did not fight the Liberation War to serve anyone.

"Farmers, workers, and the public have begun a movement against inequality — for jobs and for state reforms. If this movement succeeds, no one will die for food or clothing, no one will remain untreated. If anyone tries to occupy our country, 18 crore people will rise and fight together. That will be the true victory."

Rab made these comments on Monday, after paying tribute to the martyrs at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar. 

With tears in his eyes, he added: "This is the people’s fight, the fight of Bangladesh. We must win it. I have done my part as much as I could. The rest is up to you."

He further said: "Victory is still incomplete. True victory will come when everyone has food, clothing, housing, employment, and healthcare. Only then will we have achieved the Liberation War’s goals. Right now, what the country needs most is reform."

When asked whether reforms or elections should come first, he replied” "What did Abu Sayed provide for elections? Reforms must come first. Of course, we want elections, but without reforms, elections are meaningless. The people of this country demand change."

Rab also criticized the government’s failure to create a complete list of martyred freedom fighters and intellectuals. 

"So many years have passed, yet we still do not have a proper list. How can we call this victory?" he questioned.