The indiscriminate “mass arrests” in Gopalganj faced sharp criticism during a discussion titled “Remembering July’s Prisoners” held in the capital on Sunday.
At the event organised by the Bangladesh Ainjibi Odhikar Parishad, General Secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad Rashed Khan questioned: “Whose favour are these mass arrests meant to curry?”
He revealed, “Party sources confirm Awami League leaders and activists have fled Gopalganj for neighbouring districts. Yet arrests continue indiscriminately – even children are being detained. This must stop.” Khan further criticised the government’s failure to restore law and order within a year.
Speakers alleged no meaningful reforms have occurred in police and administration since last year’s uprising.
As chief guest, Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur asserted: “The police remain unchanged. Reforming law enforcement and civil administration to prevent their transformation into government cadres is imperative.”
Chairman of Amar Bangladesh Party Mujibur Rahman Manju remarked: “Awami League has fallen before. Its resurgence each time resulted from BNP-Jamaat’s mistakes.”
Vice President of Chhatra Dal HM Abu Jafar contextualised: “July didn’t emerge overnight. Sixteen years of struggle cost many lives. Public outrage against prolonged oppression fueled the student movement’s transformation into a mass uprising. No party can monopolise July’s legacy.”
Abu Hanif of the Council’s High Committee noted: “While the uprising’s casualties gained recognition, detained participants remain ignored.”
Speakers cautioned against politicians “claiming credit” while disregarding students’ sacrifices, emphasising: “Political parties’ positive responses crucially enabled the uprising’s success. Sustainable change now requires constructive politics.”
Other speakers included Gono Odhikar Parishad Spokesperson Faruq Hasan, Jubo Odhikar Parishad President Manjur Morshed Mamun, and labour/student rights leaders Abdur Rahman and Nazmul Hasan.