Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku today said that if people of Bangladesh embrace Bangla as their mother tongue, then slogans like “Inquilab Zindabad” cannot continue.

“‘Inquilab Zindabad’ has no connection to the Bangla language. It is the language of those who once tried to snatch away our right to speak our mother tongue,” he added.

​He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion and cultural programme organised by the Sirajganj district administration at the Shilpakala Academy auditorium, in observance of Language Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day.

​The minister said, “We are not careful enough about the Bangla language and its history. A nation that does not know its own history can never prosper.”

“As we have failed to truly understand and value our own language, nationalism has not flourished among us. Had we reflected more deeply on Bangla, Gen Z would not be chanting ‘inquilab’. It makes my heart bleed to hear them say ‘Inquilab Zindabad’,” he added.

Tuku also said, “I went to the Liberation War prepared to lay down my life. Had I died, no one would be taking my name today. I am a minister because I survived, because this country was born. One must, therefore, purify oneself through love for the nation.”

​The programme was presided over by Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam. Other attendees included Police Superintendent Saiful Islam Santu, Deputy Director of Local Government Mohammad Kamrul Islam, President of Sirajganj Chamber of Commerce and General Secretary of district BNP Saydur Rahman Bachchu, and freedom fighter Azizur Rahman Dulal.