Dhaka, July 21 -- Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has reaffirmed that Major Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh's independence from Kalurghat in Chattogram during the Liberation War in 1971.

Speaking at a mass rally on Sunday night at Biplob Udyan, near Gate No. 2 in Sholashahar, Chattogram, as part of NCP's July March campaign, Nahid said, "We know and believe that Major Zia declared independence from Chattogram. That announcement came from Kalurghat, and that's why we call this city the gateway to Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty."

Highlighting the city's historical and spiritual significance, he added, "Islam first entered Bangladesh through Chattogram's port, carried by Arab traders, bringing a messa...