Dhaka, August 6 (V7N) – On the anniversary of the historic July uprising, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman spoke emphatically about the enduring spirit of democracy and national unity in Bangladesh. He stressed that the extraordinary unity forged on the blood-soaked streets by thousands of martyrs continues to resist fascism, and declared that democracy will never be allowed to be extinguished in the country.

Addressing the nation through a video message on Tuesday, marking the July uprising anniversary, Tarique Rahman said that Bangladesh will never witness the rise of fascism again, and no one will be allowed to kill democracy. He expressed confidence that the national unity formed during these struggles remains strong and will endure.

Rahman connected the July uprising of 2024 with the country’s historical fight for freedom and democracy, recalling the Liberation War of 1971 as the war for independence and describing the events of 2024 as the war to protect that independence. “Bangladesh has not forgotten the sacrifices of the martyrs of 1971, nor will it forget the martyrs of the 2024 July uprising,” he said.

The BNP leader further emphasized that the establishment of a democratic Bangladesh requires the formation of a government that is directly accountable to the people through their votes. He noted that efforts are underway through an interim government to realize this political vision, aiming for a transparent and responsible governance system.

Reflecting on the deeper grievances behind the July uprising, BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moin Khan described the 16 years of Awami League’s alleged misrule as a period of tyranny that devastated public life. He said that the uprising on August 5th was a spontaneous eruption of public frustration against such oppression. Speaking at a victory rally in Ghordashal, Polash Upazila, Narsingdi, Khan called the uprising a clear message of the people's demand for change.

Other BNP leaders echoed similar sentiments. Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon insisted that no conspiracy could destroy the BNP. Speaking at a victory rally in Madhabdi Municipality, Narsingdi, he declared that there is no alternative to unity. Another Joint Secretary General, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, urged members to put aside narrow interests and build a broad national alliance, calling it a timely necessity. He spoke at a rally in Uttar Temohani, Lakshmipur.

BNP’s Organizing Secretary Shama Obaid Islam claimed that with the flight of what she described as the fascist Sheikh Hasina, the country has been freed from disgrace. She spoke after a procession in Nagar Kanda, Faridpur, and also joined a rally in Salta Upazila.

On the anniversary day, BNP organized simultaneous victory rallies and discussions across divisions, districts, and upazilas throughout the country, showing their widespread support.

In preparation for the upcoming nationwide celebrations of the downfall of the Awami League government and the victory of the student and public movements, BNP has announced that it will hold victory rallies across Dhaka and all districts on Wednesday.

 
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