Everyone become a July warrior after changing colours: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that many individuals who once benefited from the previous political system have now "changed colours" and are presenting themselves as "July warriors" while continuing to engage in misconduct.

Speaking at the unveiling of a publication and a discussion marking July Martyrs' Day at the Information Building in the capital on Thursday (July 30), Fakhrul said the aspirations of the July movement would be undermined unless meaningful reforms were achieved.

Fakhrul said that despite 55 years of independence, improving people's quality of life remains an unfinished task, blaming successive governments for prioritising the retention of power over structural reforms.

"The youth shed blood during the July movement to change this system. If we fail to uphold the spirit of July and bring meaningful change, their sacrifices will be in vain," he said, adding that the BNP seeks to transform society through institutional reform.

Referring to the government's governance agenda, he said the Prime Minister has called for building cleaner cities and encouraging civic responsibility, while also inspiring young people to embrace change. However, Fakhrul stressed that sustainable progress would not be possible without a broader transformation in public attitudes and political culture.

Expressing disappointment, the BNP leader claimed that no visible progress had been made over the past five months in fulfilling the aspirations of the July uprising. He also alleged that many individuals previously associated with corruption and abuse of power had rebranded themselves to benefit from the post-uprising political environment.

"The culture of corruption, bribery and misuse of influence must change if the objectives of the July movement are to be realised," he said.

Highlighting Bangladesh's long struggle for democracy and justice, Fakhrul said generations had sacrificed their lives—from the anti-colonial movement to the Liberation War and the July uprising of 2024—in pursuit of an equitable society.

He also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, describing her as one of the country's earliest female freedom fighters and praising her call for a nation free from revenge and political vengeance following the fall of the previous government.

The event was chaired by Information and Broadcasting Minister Jahir Uddin Swapan. State Minister Yaser Khan Chowdhury, Public Service Commission member Dr Chowdhury Sayma Ferdous, senior government officials, media representatives and invited guests also attended.