Opposition leader says July martyrs' aspirations still unfulfilled

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has said, the primary goal of the sacrifices made by the martyrs of the July mass uprising was to build a discrimination-free, democratic, and justice-based country. However, regrettably, due to a certain quarter, those aspirations have not been fully realised even after two years.

Rahman said, therefore, everyone must work together to repay the blood debt of the martyrs.

He made these remarks in a message of greetings issued today (Tuesday) on the occasion of "July Mass Uprising Day."

In his message, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the historic 5th of August is a glorious and unforgettable chapter in Bangladesh's national life. The movement built by teachers and students, youth, parents, children and the elderly, civil society, and people from all walks of life eventually transformed into a one-point movement for the fall of Sheikh Hasina. Faced with an unprecedented mass uprising of students and the people, Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee the country on 5 August 2024, bringing an end to over 16 years of autocratic rule.

Noting that nearly 1,500 people were killed and about 30,000 injured in the indiscriminate shootings to suppress the movement, the Opposition Leader said the nation will forever remember with respect the martyrs—including Abu Sayeed, Mugdho, Wasim, and all those who sacrificed their lives against discrimination and injustice. At the same time, the nation will remain grateful to the injured, those who became disabled, the families of the martyrs, and all those who suffered persecution.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the nation must take a vow that the blood of the martyrs will never be in vain. True respect for the sacrifices of the martyrs can be shown only through the establishment of a humane, justice-based, and discrimination-free Bangladesh.