Bangladesh is set to mark the second anniversary of the July Uprising tomorrow

Mahmud Hasan Pial : Following a fierce battle by student-people against the then Awami League government, which was led by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the people of Bangladesh re-established their voting rights. With 1,400 martyrs and several thousand others injured, according to the United Nations, the July Uprising taught the nation to stand fearlessly against any authoritarian regime. The movement gained momentum nationwide after the heinous killing of Abu Sayed. More than 1,400 people sacrificed their lives to achieve their much-awaited victory over the autocratic regime. Tomorrow marks the second anniversary of the uprising. The nation is ready to commemorate the remarkable event.

The High Court declared the abolition of the quota system in government jobs, especially in first- and second-class positions, illegal, which forced students to take to the streets across the country. In response to the students’ demands, the Awami League’s student wing, BCL, attacked protesters across the country while law enforcement agencies acted as state-sponsored institutions. Police fired indiscriminately at the students and killed more than 1,400 people. Hasina’s extreme pride ultimately forced her to bow to the uncompromising student-people movement and led to her escape to India.

The Awami League government’s misdeeds brought down the party, ensuring the historic escape of many of its top leaders. Such events are very rare in history. Despite the fall of the dictatorial ruler, the ultimate goal will remain unfulfilled until justice is established in the legal system, judiciary, and society. The government formed by the BNP, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is committed to bringing unity, justice, and stability to Bangladesh. The common people have colossal expectations of the BNP government, while the opposition, the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, including the NCP, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, and others, must play considerable roles in keeping national unity strong.