Never again will Bangladesh allow dictatorship to rise

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said the people of Bangladesh will enjoy August 5 as a public holiday every year, celebrating what he called the end of fascist rule in Bangladesh.

"Exactly one year ago from today, on this day in 2024, fascist [Hasina] fled the country. The nation was freed from the grip of a monster. For the freedom-loving, democracy-loving people, this day is one of joys and victories. The interim government has declared this day as 'July Mass Uprising Day'. From now on, people will enjoy this day every year as a public holiday."

The BNP leader made the remarks in a video message posted on Facebook yesterday, marking the first anniversary of the July uprising.

"A fugitive autocrat had established a reign of terror in 21st-century Bangladesh, where enforced disappearances, killings, abductions, attacks, false cases, torture and oppression became common and a regular part of life.

"During the movement against this fascism, which lasted for more than 15 years, Tarique said lakhs of leaders and activists from BNP and other pro-democracy parties were made to suffer by turning the country into hell."

"Due to hundreds of false cases, lakhs of opposition leaders and supporters were forced to leave their homes. Many even lost their family ties."

Tarique also said secret detention centres, known as 'Aynaghar', were built to silence dissent. "Many people were locked up in dark rooms for years. Some, like former MP Ilias Ali and commissioner Chowdhury Alam, are still missing."

He accused the Awami fascist regime of destroying key state institutions like the judiciary and the Election Commission, rigging elections and undermining the constitution.

Blaming the Hasina regime for ruining the economy, the BNP leader said, "Banks were looted and nearly Tk 28 lakh crore was siphoned off abroad from the country."

Praising the people's courage in the July uprising, Tarique said, "People from all walks of life -- students, workers, farmers, journalists, women, even mothers -- joined the streets to fight for democracy. Helicopters were used to shoot at protesters. Many children and young people lost their lives."

He said more than 1,500 people were killed and at least 30,000 were injured in the uprising, while hundreds suffered life-altering injuries.

The BNP leader said the sacrifices of these brave people have united the nation against fascism. "Never again will Bangladesh allow dictatorship to rise. Democracy will be protected, and no one will be allowed to turn the country into a subservient state again."

He also called for unity among all political parties. "Different parties may have different views and goals. That's the beauty of democracy. But disagreements must not allow extremism or dictatorship to return."