July Mass Uprising Was Built on 17 Years of Struggle Led by the Zia Family: Rizvi

Photo: Collected

News Desk: Prime Minister's Political Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that the July 2024 Mass Uprising was the culmination of 17 years of continuous political struggle led by former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

He made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking to journalists on current political issues at the BNP's central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka.

Rizvi said that the mass uprising of students and the public in July 2024 was built upon 17 years of persistent and often bloody political struggle. He described the student-led demonstrations that began with school and college students taking to the streets as a historic and unforgettable movement, saying that the sacrifices of countless students and young people ultimately led to the downfall of what he described as a "bloodthirsty fascist regime."

He further said that following the fall of the previous government, people expected the restoration of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, personal liberty, press freedom, civil rights, and the ability to live without fear. According to Rizvi, the struggle for these rights had continued for 17 years under the leadership of Khaleda Zia and later Tarique Rahman, creating the political environment that paved the way for a broader mass movement involving students, workers, and people from all walks of life.

The Prime Minister's political adviser said the movement reached its decisive conclusion on August 5, marking what he described as the end of authoritarianism and fascism. He added that July, culminating on August 5, is now being recognized as a month symbolizing the country's struggle and bloodshed during the mass uprising.

Rizvi also noted that the BNP had observed the anniversary of the movement with due importance last year through various programs and said that this year both the party and the government are organizing a series of commemorative events.

He announced that the BNP will hold a special discussion meeting on August 4 at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in the capital to observe the occasion in a more organized manner. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to attend the event as the chief guest, while party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will preside over the meeting.

Among those present at the press briefing were BNP Central Assistant Publicity Secretary Asadul Karim Shaheen, Assistant Cultural Affairs Secretary Saeed Sohorab, Central Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Vice-President Dr. Touhidur Rahman Awal, and other party leaders.