July revolution's achievements belong to no single person or party: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for the success of the August 5 mass uprising not to be seen as the achievement of any single individual or specific political party. He made it clear that the current government will accord the highest state honour and recognition to the valour and sacrifice of the martyrs of the July revolution.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the 'July National Conference' held at the China-Bangladesh Friendship International Conference Centre in the capital on Saturday, July 4.

In his speech, the prime minister said the government's primary commitment is to uphold the spirit of the goals and aspirations for which students and the public sacrificed their lives during the July movement. He assured that justice for every killing and injustice committed during the movement would be ensured according to the country's existing laws. However, he stressed the importance of maintaining transparency in the legal process, saying the administration and judiciary must remain vigilant to ensure no one faces injustice in the name of justice.

Tarique Rahman said, "If I could ask my mother — mother, you faced 17 years of injustice, oppression and mental torture. Will you not take revenge now? She would say, not revenge, your duty is to take the country forward with everyone. If I asked my brother the same question, he would say the same. Of those I had as colleagues 17 years ago, I have lost many, some have been disabled. I too feel physical pain and mental anguish."

On the issue of paying respect to the martyrs, the prime minister said, "If a martyr looks down and sees that in the name of seeking justice for his killing, we are resorting to injustice against someone else, that martyr would be pained. The killers will be properly tried according to the law. If necessary, time will be taken for the judicial process."

Calling for national unity, Tarique Rahman further said no country can progress by dividing the nation. The government's main goal is to avoid the politics of revenge and ensure the development of the country and its people. He urged everyone to work together, forgetting differences, in the national interest.

At the end of his speech, the prime minister warned the nation about potential obstacles in the path of rebuilding the country. He called on everyone to remain vigilant so that no other force can hinder this journey of reconstruction. He reiterated his firm commitment to stand by the families of the martyrs and the injured of the July revolution.

The July National Conference was organised to honour the martyrs of the mass uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government in July-August 2024, following the anti-discrimination student movement, and to expedite the rehabilitation of the injured and the judicial process. Since taking office, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has consistently emphasised maintaining the national character of this movement.