Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has unequivocally stated that the existence of Bangladesh cannot be conceived without the 1971 Liberation War. He made this assertion during a meeting with leaders of the Democratic United Front (DUF), a coalition of left-leaning parties, held at the BNP Chairperson's political office in Gulshan, Dhaka. Rahman emphasized that the Liberation War serves as the fundamental bedrock of Bangladesh as a state and its political identity. This statement comes shortly after Tarique Rahman's return to Bangladesh on December 25, 2025, after 17 years in self-imposed exile, marking a crucial moment in the country's political landscape. During his discussions with the DUF leaders, Rahman also stressed the importance of utilizing the new political realities and possibilities that have emerged in Bangladesh to strengthen its democratic system and foster national unity. He called for collective efforts from both the government and opposition parties to propel the nation forward. The statement has resonated significantly, particularly in India, where several news outlets have interpreted it as a positive or 'pro-India' development. This perspective stems from India's pivotal role in assisting Bangladesh's independence in 1971. The consistent reporting across various credible sources, including Dhaka Tribune, The Times of India, IANS LIVE, and NewKerala.com, corroborates the accuracy of the claim and the context in which it was made. The headline of the original article precisely reflects Tarique Rahman's declaration, without apparent sensationalism or inaccuracy.