In a solemn ceremony at the Central Shaheed Minar on Saturday morning, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), delivered a significant address honouring the martyrs of the Language Movement while reaffirming the ideals of Ekushey. He emphasised that corruption and religious intolerance are fundamentally at odds with the principles that inspired Bangladesh’s liberation struggle and the spirit of 21 February.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stated, “The spirit of Ekushey embodies human rights and equality. It is our fundamental duty to ensure that every citizen of this country enjoys equal rights. Discrimination on the grounds of religion, gender, ethnicity, language, or social status is utterly unacceptable. Those who undermine the rights of women, religious minorities, ethnic minorities, indigenous peoples, or persons with disabilities are acting in direct opposition to the ideals of Ekushey. We categorically reject such behaviour.”
He further highlighted the potential for Bangladesh to become a nation where the spirit of Ekushey is fully realised—a society in which equal rights, social dignity, justice, and coexistence are guaranteed for all. According to him, achieving this vision requires the eradication of corruption and inequality at all levels of society.
A key focus of his speech was the protection of marginalised and minority groups. He emphasised, “Unless the social and economic rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and religious minorities are secured, we cannot truly realise the core values of Ekushey.”
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman also referenced key social indicators that reflect both progress and persistent disparities in Bangladesh, which are closely related to the ideals of equality and justice:
| Indicator | Current Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Female literacy rate | 72% | Gender gap in education has narrowed |
| Child unemployment | 3.5% | Further reduction in child labour is required |
| Population of religious minorities | 9% | Protection of minority rights is crucial |
| Economic participation of marginal groups | 45% | Greater inclusion in development processes needed |
| Corruption Perception Index (TIB) | 28/100 | Increased transparency is essential |
He added, “Raising awareness against corruption and religious intolerance is a collective responsibility. Full realisation of Ekushey’s spirit is impossible without the combined efforts of government, civil society, and educational institutions.”
Concluding his address, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman remarked, “We aspire to a Bangladesh where the values of freedom and equality resonate in every citizen’s life and across all strata of society. This is the essence of Ekushey—the establishment of justice alongside equality.”
