Debate Needed on Criminalizing Insults to July

The government wants to preserve the legacy of July in the nation’s collective memory, and a public discussion is needed on whether insulting July should be treated as a criminal offense, Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat on the progress of various government initiatives, Zahed announced that July 16 will be observed as Martyrs’ Day.

Referring to derogatory remarks about July, the adviser described such comments as ‘tragic and unexpected.’ However, he clarified that no law currently classifies insulting July as a criminal offense.

“There should be a societal discussion on whether insulting July should be considered a criminal offense,” he said. “This is the government of July. Unlike a fascist or mafia government, we have not tried to impose anything on anyone through force.”

Zahed also said the July Museum will be inaugurated before Aug. 5, adding that only a few final preparations remain.

“There is no confusion about the museum opening by Aug. 5,” he said.

On foreign policy, the adviser reiterated that Bangladesh will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy.

“You may soon see the foreign minister visiting Russia. The government will maintain relations and engage with any country where it believes it is necessary,” he said.

Commenting on the opposition, Zahed said the Awami League lacks the moral strength to destabilize the country.

“They do not have the financial capacity to create major unrest inside Bangladesh,” he said. “The activities they are carrying out from India have been raised with the Indian government before, and we will continue to do so.”

He added that many Awami League leaders are facing criminal cases, with some already convicted.

“We are consistently pursuing their extradition to Bangladesh through official state channels, and those efforts will continue,” he said.