Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to delivering transparent and credible justice for every life lost during the anti-fascist movement. Addressing the families of the victims, the Prime Minister emphasized that upholding the rule of law is a top priority for the current administration. As a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives or were subjected to enforced disappearances over the past 17 years and during the July uprising, the government has decided to name local institutions after the martyrs.
These remarks were made on Wednesday during the ‘July 36’ discussion held at the official inauguration of the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. Regarding the museum, the Prime Minister expressed his hope that it would serve as a national monument rather than a platform for any single individual, group, or political party. He stressed that the 2024 mass uprising belonged to the people of Bangladesh, who are the true heroes of the democratic struggle.
Drawing a parallel between historical milestones, the Prime Minister noted that while the 1971 Liberation War was fought to achieve independence, the 2024 uprising was essential to protect the freedom of the nation and its citizens. He assured the public that just as the nation honors the freedom fighters of 1971, the martyrs of the 2024 movement will never be forgotten. He also cautioned against attempts to stir instability, warning that those creating unnecessary issues may inadvertently be paving the way for the resurgence of the ousted regime.
Reflecting on the hardships of the past decade and a half, the Prime Minister described the current era as a turning point in the nation’s democratic history. He recalled the systemic oppression, including thousands of enforced disappearances, mass arrests, and the displacement of millions due to false legal cases. He specifically condemned the brutality of the fascist regime, which even deployed helicopters to fire upon citizens during the July-August protests. He characterized these acts of violence as rare in the civilized world, noting that such state-sponsored atrocities were comparable only to the darkest periods of the post-independence era.