Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for a renewed national commitment to ensuring that no one can ever deprive Bangladesh of its independence, sovereignty and people’s rights or turn the country into a subservient state.

Addressing the people, he said that on the historic occasion of November 7, marking the Sepoy-Janata Revolution, patriotic and pro-democracy citizens should unite behind the slogan: “Neither Delhi nor Pindi, nor anyone else—Bangladesh comes first.”

He stressed that national unity was essential to achieving this commitment. Given Bangladesh’s socioeconomic, geographical and political realities, he said, the spirit of the Sepoy-Janata Revolution must be embraced wholeheartedly to strengthen national solidarity.

The Prime Minister made these remarks as the chief guest at a programme held at the Army Stadium in Banani, Dhaka, on Saturday (November 7), marking Historic National Revolution and Solidarity Day.

Tarique Rahman said the 1971 Liberation War, the Sepoy-Janata Revolution of November 7, 1975, the anti-autocracy movement of 1990 and the anti-fascist mass uprising of 2024 had all demonstrated that the people of Bangladesh had never compromised on national interests, independence and sovereignty. Above everything else, he said, Bangladesh remained their foremost priority.

Describing November 7 as a significant and glorious day for patriotic, freedom-loving and democratic-minded people, the Prime Minister said that on this day in 1975, patriotic members of the armed forces and civilians had united to thwart conspiracies against Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.

He said conspiracies against Bangladesh reached their peak during the first week of November 1975. As part of those developments, then Army Chief Lieutenant General Ziaur Rahman was placed under house arrest along with his family on the night of November 3.

The Sepoy-Janata had united to foil the conspiracy against the country’s interests that began with the confinement of the proclaimer of independence, he added.

According to the Prime Minister, those who sought to turn Bangladesh into a subservient state, deprive people of their democratic and political rights, establish one-party rule and undermine the honour and dignity of the armed forces were defeated through the historic revolution of November 7, 1975.

Tarique Rahman said the defeated forces did not abandon their conspiracies. They later reorganised themselves and once again turned the country into a subservient state. He also alleged that the planned massacre of military personnel at Pilkhana had undermined the honour and dignity of the armed forces, while people’s democratic and political rights were taken away under a fascist regime.

He said the forces were eventually defeated through the bloody mass uprising of 2024, which came at the cost of thousands of lives and freed the country from fascism. The Prime Minister paid deep tribute to those who were killed or injured during the prolonged anti-fascist movement and the 2024 mass uprising.

He described the 1971 war as a struggle to achieve independence and the 2024 uprising as a fight to protect the independence of the country and its people.

Just as people from all walks of life took to the streets on August 5, 2024, he said, members of the armed forces and civilians had united on November 7, 1975, to resist conspiracies against the country’s independence and sovereignty.

The Prime Minister said time had proven that November 7, 1975, was a defining moment in determining Bangladesh’s future course. Whenever the country deviated from the spirit of November 7, its independence and people’s sovereignty came under threat, he added.

Emphasising national identity beyond religious and ethnic differences, Tarique Rahman said Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and members of ethnic communities all shared one proud identity: they were Bangladeshis.

He said this shared identity had united the nation and that the historic November 7 had further strengthened the foundation of Bangladeshi nationalism. The significance of the united revolution of the Sepoy-Janata would remain relevant as long as Bangladesh existed, he added.

Paying deep tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the Prime Minister said that just as he had stood for the country’s independence and sovereignty on November 7, 1975, he had also proclaimed independence in 1971 and fought on the frontlines of the Liberation War.

Addressing the younger generation, Tarique Rahman said a nation’s history was not merely a recollection of the past. Rather, an accurate understanding of history inspired a nation to build its identity, self-respect and collective future.

He said a special feature of this year’s programme was the participation of thousands of boys, girls and young people who presented different aspects of Bangladesh’s historical background surrounding November 7.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh would never lose its way if the new generation remained united and inspired by the spirit of November 7. He added that national unity could not be strengthened in a country whose younger generation was not inspired by nationalism.

He said achieving independence was a matter of historic pride, but every generation had the responsibility to uphold that achievement and make independence meaningful. In particular, the younger generation must dedicate itself to building a safe, prosperous, humane and dignified Bangladesh by embracing the fundamental ideals of independence.

Highlighting the importance of creating an enabling environment for young people to develop their potential, he said the government was committed to building a prosperous future.

The Prime Minister thanked and congratulated the National Revolution and Solidarity Day-2026 Celebration Committee, the Ministry of Defence, the Armed Forces Division, Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC), Bangladesh Scouts and, above all, the people of the country for organising the programme.

At the beginning of the event, a historical documentary highlighting the background of November 7 was screened. Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman also enjoyed a special exhibition organised to mark Historic National Revolution and Solidarity Day.

The exhibition was organised under the direction of the Ministry of Defence and supervision of the armed forces. A total of 3,000 BNCC cadets and 500 members of Bangladesh Scouts took part.

Among those present were the Prime Minister’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman; advisers; members of parliament; representatives of diplomatic missions; chiefs of the three armed services; military and civilian officials; students; young representatives; BNCC and Scouts members; and invited guests.