Concerns over US Independence Day event at parliament premises, protest rally announced

Several political parties and organisations have expressed concern over the celebration of US Independence Day at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. They have alleged that the government's policy has allowed the US to hold such an event on parliament premises, which they claim contradicts the country's sovereignty and the spirit of the Liberation War.

On Sunday, July 5, the 'Anti-Imperialism and Anti-War Alliance' expressed concern in a statement, saying the US is trying to exert influence over Bangladesh under the guise of trade agreements, and conspiracies are underway to drag the country into US imperialist geopolitical strategies. They termed the decision to hold the event at parliament premises concerning.

The alliance further claimed that due to the government's "submissive policy," the US was able to hold the event at the parliament premises instead of its own embassy. They protested the decision and criticised the government's stance.

In a separate statement, Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Basod) General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz said the current government, following the interim administration after the 2024 mass uprising, continues to pursue a policy of dependence on the US.

He alleged that the participation of leaders from various political parties in the event reflected that stance.

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) has announced a protest rally at Purana Paltan intersection in the capital at 5:00 pm on Monday, July 6. In a joint statement, party President Kazi Sazzad Zahir Chandon and General Secretary Abdullah Kafi Raton said allowing a country that opposed Bangladesh's Liberation War to celebrate its independence day on parliament premises is an insult to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the war.

The CPB leaders further said such an event on parliament premises is disrespectful to the people of the country when the US is allegedly trying to exert influence over Bangladesh's economy, national security and sovereignty. They called for building public opinion against this decision.

On Saturday, July 4, the US Independence Day event was held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, attended by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal, opposition leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman, US Ambassador to Dhaka Brent T Christensen and other guests. The event has sparked discussions and criticism in political circles.