July Uprising not belongs to any single party: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that the July Mass Uprising does not belong to any single political party, group, or individual. He also reaffirmed his government's commitment to ensuring that those responsible for the July killings are brought to justice in accordance with the country's existing laws.

He made the remarks while addressing the 'July National Conference' as the chief guest at the China Friendship Conference Center in the capital on Saturday (July 4).

The conference was attended by family members of those who were martyred and fighters who were injured during the July Mass Uprising, as well as participants in the democratic movements of the past 17 years. They shared their grief, hardships, and expectations with the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said, "The achievement of August 5 does not belong to any individual or political party; it is the achievement of every pro-democracy citizen of Bangladesh, regardless of political affiliation. According to the United Nations, nearly 1,400 people, including 65 children, were martyred during the movement. However, despite numerous obstacles, the information I have received through my party colleagues and associates indicates that at least 2,000 people were martyred during the July movement alone, while more than 30,000 others were injured or permanently disabled."

Pledging the highest recognition for the sacrifices made by those who fought against authoritarian rule and those martyred during the July uprising, the Prime Minister said, "Our primary objective now is not personal vengeance or retaliation, but to unite the nation and move it forward. Those who embraced martyrdom or suffered permanent injuries during the 17-year struggle against authoritarianism and the July uprising sacrificed themselves to transform the lives of the people of this country and establish their democratic rights."

In an emotional address, Tarique Rahman said, "As I sat on this stage listening to your stories, I found myself wondering: if I could ask my mother (Begum Khaleda Zia) at this very moment whether she wanted me to take revenge for the inhuman physical and mental torture she endured over the past 17 years—especially now that Allah has granted me the strength and authority to do so—I am certain she would tell me that my duty is to unite the people and lead the country forward."

Recalling the memory of his late brother, Arafat Rahman Koko, he added, "If I could ask my brother the same question, he would give me the same answer, because we are children of the same mother and the same blood runs through our veins."

Reflecting on his years in exile, the Prime Minister said, "I will not go into the details of the circumstances under which I was forced to leave the country 17 years ago. At that time, I left behind many healthy and energetic colleagues, but after returning following August 5, I found that many of them were no longer with us. Numerous leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), including its student wing Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, are no longer alive. Many others returned with permanent disabilities or having lost limbs. Such brutal incidents occurred both before and after August 5."

He further said, "When I see Khokon, Rakib, Abid, or Sattar Patwari—who are sitting in front of this stage—struggling with unbearable physical pain, I feel deeply saddened. During the previous authoritarian regime, nearly six million leaders and activists of the BNP across the country were subjected to false and fabricated cases and suffered severe persecution."

Referring to the Home Minister's earlier remarks on the judicial process, the Prime Minister said, "Those who committed atrocities against you, who burned or shot your loved ones to death, will be tried in accordance with the laws of the land. Judicial proceedings have already begun in some lower courts. I want to assure the people that while the previous authoritarian regime inflicted grave injustices upon us, we will not commit injustice in the name of justice. If necessary, we will take the time required under due legal process to ensure that no criminal escapes punishment and no innocent person is subjected to harassment."

Addressing the injured and the families of the martyrs, he said, "The state will stand by you to the fullest extent of its ability and honor your sacrifices in the highest possible manner. Yet, even if we fulfill every demand, can we bring back your loved ones or restore lost eyesight? We cannot. But if, through these sacrifices, we succeed in freeing the country from authoritarianism and advancing it economically and politically, then the souls of the martyrs will find peace. It is because of your sacrifices that a brighter future for the people of this country has become possible."

Concluding his speech, the BNP leader told party leaders and activists, "The party founded by the martyred President Ziaur Rahman and led by Begum Khaleda Zia believes in a strong democratic system. No nation can move forward by remaining divided. Our ultimate commitment is to the country and its people. Let us pledge today that we will remain united in realizing the ideals and aspirations for which our brothers and children shed their blood. No anti-democratic force should ever be allowed to deprive us of this hard-earned achievement."