Opening path for autocrat’s return would betray martyrs: PM
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said, “Opening the way for an autocrat to return in the name of opposing the government would be a betrayal of the martyrs of the July Mass Uprising and the Great Liberation War of 1971.” Calling for an end to the old political culture of opposing something simply for the sake of opposition, he said, “The opposition must certainly oppose the government, but its opposition must be constructive.”
The prime minister made these remarks on Monday at the inauguration of the July Memorial, built in memory of those killed in the July Mass Uprising, and the renovated Osmani Udyan in the capital’s Osmani Garden.
Addressing the event as the chief guest, the prime minister said the BNP had been entrusted with governing the country through the people’s votes. Other political parties had been given the responsibility of serving as the opposition. He said the primary responsibility of both the ruling party and the opposition in Parliament was to discuss national interests and public welfare, present arguments and counterarguments, and implement decisions.
The head of government said, “The government is trying to change the fortunes of the people of the country. Just as you have taken seats on the opposition benches with the people’s votes, we have also been entrusted with the responsibility of governing with the people’s support. We should move beyond the idea that the ruling party alone does not represent the people and that only the opposition represents them.”
Addressing opposition leaders, the prime minister said, “Opposition leaders were also invited to the government organized event to honor the family members of those killed and injured in the July Mass Uprising. Despite their political differences with the government, they had the opportunity to stand beside the families of the July martyrs and the injured fighters.”
He said everyone should come forward to honor those who gained political recognition through the sacrifices of those killed and injured in July. Upholding the spirit of the July Mass Uprising means standing beside those who sacrificed themselves during the movement and working to fulfill their aspirations.
The prime minister said BNP founder and martyred President Ziaur Rahman introduced multiparty democracy in the country while former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia initiated parliamentary democracy. He said political parties must work together in the national interest despite their differences to sustain democratic practices.
Noting that disagreement on every issue is a normal feature of democracy, the prime minister said, “However, there is room for us to reach agreement on fundamental issues such as employment, security, freedom, healthcare and education for future generations.”
The prime minister further said political parties could maintain their own positions and express their views on various issues including constitutional amendments and reforms. He said the people had sent their representatives to Parliament to discuss these issues and make decisions.
He said decisions must be made through parliamentary discussions by presenting arguments and opinions so that ordinary people could continue their daily struggles to make a living.
Earlier, the prime minister arrived at the venue at 10:00 am. He then inaugurated the July Memorial alongside Mohammad Mokbul Hossain, father of July Mass Uprising martyr Abu Sayed; Mir Mostafizur Rahman, father of Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho; Sanjida Khan Dipti, mother of martyred Shahariar Khan Anas; and Mohammad Shafiul Alam, father of martyred Wasim Akram.
After the inauguration, the prime minister planted a sapling on the memorial grounds. He then inaugurated the renovated Osmani Udyan and toured different sections of the garden. He also visited the library adjacent to the garden.
