Dhaka: State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit on Wednesday stated that Bangladesh does not belong to any single political party and called upon everyone to contribute towards building a ‘new Bangladesh’ from their respective positions. He made these remarks at a discussion and reception programme for July martyrs’ families and July fighters, organised by the Jashore district administration to mark the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Amit found it amusing when attempts are made to teach the BNP and its chairman, Tarique Rahman, about the ‘July spirit’ and the July Charter. “When someone tries to teach BNP about the July spirit and speaks about the July Charter, it makes me laugh – who is saying what to whom?” he commented during the programme held at the district Shilpakala Academy auditorium.
Amit pointed out that BNP had clearly expressed its support for the July Charter, which was signed by political parties with then chief adviser of the interim government, Dr Muhammad Yunus, at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad. The party had pledged to take necessary steps to transform the charter’s principles into political action. He emphasized the importance of moving forward as a country by rejecting disrespect towards elders and derogatory remarks against political opponents, a culture he attributed to the previous authoritarian regime.
The state minister addressed criticism faced by BNP regarding its stance on the July spirit and referendum. He clarified that the government’s intent was not to reject the July spirit but to review certain ordinances that had flaws. He highlighted that ordinances related to enforced disappearances, human rights, and a separate Supreme Court secretariat required further examination.
Amit announced that amendments to the Human Rights Commission Ordinance and the Ordinance on Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearances had been finalised and would be presented before the parliament for approval. He acknowledged BNP’s respect for the contributions of all those involved in the July uprising and its commitment to equality and a discrimination-free Bangladesh.
The minister also raised concerns about why July fighter Inam Siddiqui, who suffered a debilitating injury during the uprising, was allegedly denied full state recognition during the interim government’s rule. He expressed his support for the 10-point demands put forward by the Jashore chapter of the July Fighters’ organisation and participated in the reception programme.
The event was chaired by Jashore Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ashek Hasan and attended by Police Superintendent Syed Rafiqul Islam, District Council Administrator Delwar Hossain Khokon, as well as local BNP, Jamaat, student, and civic leaders.