Acting President Urges Unity on National Interest

Online Desk : Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram on Wednesday said differences of opinion are a natural part of democracy, but there should be no division when it comes to national interest, democratic values, and the country’s independence and sovereignty.

He made the remarks while addressing a reception and discussion programme for the families of those killed and the July fighters at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka.

Calling on the nation to seize what he described as a historic opportunity, the acting president urged people to work together to build a democratic, just and corruption-free Bangladesh where every citizen enjoys equal rights and dignity.

Describing the July Mass Uprising as a historic opportunity for rebuilding the state, he said the country must remain vigilant so that “no division, hatred or narrow interests” could obstruct national progress.

Drawing a parallel between the 1971 Liberation War and the July Mass Uprising, Hafiz Uddin said the Liberation War had been fought to establish democracy, while the July movement sought to restore it.

“Election is an inseparable part of democracy. As long as democracy exists, people will enjoy freedom of expression, and the country’s independence and sovereignty will remain intact,” he said.

The acting president said ensuring the welfare of the families of those killed in the July uprising and providing treatment and rehabilitation for the injured remained among the government’s highest priorities.

“The government’s foremost duty is to care for the families of those who sacrificed their lives in July. It is also our sacred responsibility to restore the health of those who lost their eyesight or limbs,” he said.

Referring to July Mass Uprising Day, Hafiz Uddin described it as “an unforgettable day written in golden letters in the nation’s history,” saying it symbolised the victory of freedom-seeking students and people in their struggle for democracy, justice and human dignity.

He said the 2024 mass uprising had brought an end to what he described as a prolonged authoritarian and fascist rule, paving the way for a new beginning.

Paying tribute to those who lost their lives during the movement, including Abu Sayeed, Mugdha, Wasim, Yamin, Farhan, Nafiz, Sajal, Rabbi, Meraj, Elem, Taim, Naima, child Riya Gop, Ahad and others, he prayed for the eternal peace of their souls and said their sacrifices would continue to inspire the nation.

Recalling an emotional moment from the programme, Hafiz Uddin said he was deeply moved after seeing a mother attending the event with her son, who had lost his eyesight during the movement.

“This young man lost his eyes in the struggle to restore democracy and establish the rule of law. If such people have to go from one minister’s door to another even for their basic rights, it will be a matter of national shame,” he said.

Addressing the July fighters, he assured them that the government would honour their sacrifices.

“Do not lose heart. You will receive the respect you deserve from this government. We will do everything within our capacity for your welfare,” he said.

Seeking cooperation from citizens, the acting president said the public should point out the government’s mistakes whenever necessary.

Referring to the previous Awami League government, he said, “We will never become the Awami League, nor do we want to. They have shown no remorse despite allegations of injustice, killings, enforced disappearances, money laundering, torture and the so-called ‘Aynaghar’.”

He also criticised remarks by what he described as a “fugitive fascist” about returning to the country in December.

“We are waiting. Come back to the country, and we will meet on the streets, Inshallah,” he said.

Sharing his personal experience, Hafiz Uddin said he had fought in the Liberation War at the age of 27 and, at 82, remained committed to establishing good governance and a lasting democratic system in Bangladesh.

“There are many nations in the world, but very few citizens who can stand before raised guns with both hands up like Abu Sayeed. We are that nation, and we are proud of them,” he said.

Reiterating his call for national unity, the acting president urged everyone to uphold the spirit of the July Mass Uprising and move forward with patriotism, honesty, mutual respect and unity.

“Let us transform this new possibility, earned through the blood of the martyrs, into a firm commitment to building a discrimination-free, democratic, just, humane and prosperous Bangladesh,” he said.

He concluded his speech by calling on citizens to remain vigilant in safeguarding the country’s dignity and sovereignty.

Earlier, the acting president presented honorary crests to representatives of the families of those killed in the July uprising and to July fighters.

The programme, chaired by Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, was attended by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain as special guests.

Representatives of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens’ Committee also attended the event.

Liberation War Affairs Secretary Md Ashraful Islam delivered the welcome address, while representatives of the martyrs’ families and the July fighters shared their experiences, expectations and commitments.

The programme began with the national anthem, recitations from holy scriptures, a one-minute silence in memory of the July martyrs and the screening of a documentary on the July Mass Uprising.