Dhaka: Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs State Minister and BNP Joint Organising Secretary Barrister Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin on Sunday criticized the interim government’s actions following the July mass uprising, accusing them of dishonoring the martyrs by favoring a particular group rather than upholding the uprising’s spirit. He commended Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for embodying the true essence of the sacrifices made by the July martyrs and striving for their proper recognition and dignity.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Mir Helal expressed his views during a discussion organized by the Jatiotabadi Textile Engineers Association of Bangladesh (JTEB) at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) in Kakrail. The event was held in memory of the martyrs of the July mass uprising and was attended by BNP Standing Committee Member and Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain as the chief guest.
Mir Helal voiced his disappointment with the interim government, stating that those in power after the uprising, and those influencing them, failed to uphold the ideals of the movement. He emphasized that favoring a particular group resulted in dishonoring the martyrs. Reflecting on the past, he recalled the anguish of grieving parents who lost their children during the uprising, and highlighted similar suffering experienced under what he described as the “fascist rule” of Sheikh Hasina over the past 17 years.
He further noted that thousands of BNP leaders, activists, and members of affiliated organizations were victims of brutal killings or forced disappearances during that period. The sacrifices of these individuals, along with others opposing the previous AL government, played a significant role in the July uprising.
Mir Helal stressed the importance of governing the country with patriotism, prioritizing the people’s interests. He praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for tirelessly working under this principle, alongside senior cabinet members and government officials, to elevate living standards and establish Bangladesh as a prosperous and self-reliant nation.
He also commended Tarique Rahman’s behind-the-scenes efforts, akin to his role during the movement, emphasizing that his dedication was not for personal gain but for the nation’s welfare. Mir Helal highlighted Tarique Rahman’s “Bangladesh First” slogan, advocating for state policies and programs that benefit the people and the country.
Calling for collective support for the families of the July martyrs, Mir Helal assured that the government and BNP leaders would stand by them within available resources. He concluded by urging for work towards national development and prosperity under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, emphasizing that recounting revolutionary stories alone would not uplift the people’s lives.
The event was chaired by JTEB Central Executive Committee President Engineer Md Fakhrul Alam and moderated by General Secretary Engineer ABM Ruhul Amin Akand, with leaders, activists, and family members of the July martyrs in attendance.