Opposition Chief Whip and Convener of NCP Nahid Islam, has demanded official state recognition for bravery, sacrifices, and contributions of madrasa students during the July revolution.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Bloody Robes of July: Contribution of Madrasa Students” held at BMA Bhaban auditorium in the capital, Nahid said madrasa and private university students were the two forces that rejuvenated anti-fascist movement when it began to lose momentum on 17-18 July.
The seminar was organised by National Ulema Alliance.
“The Ulema of this land have sacrificed their lives for people’s rights throughout the ages,” Nahid said.
“For decades, the jubba [robe] of madrasa students has been bloodied, not just in Bangladesh but across the world. This robe is a symbol of rebellion and struggle. We demand the government accord state honours to their sacrifices”, he added.
Criticising recent remarks by the home minister regarding the “business of July,” Nahid said that their call for institutional reform and a “new, discrimination-free Bangladesh” represents true aspirations of people.
He accused Awami League of murdering democracy over the last 50 years under the guise of the “Spirit of the Liberation War” and engaged in politics of disappearances and killings.
He further said that BNP has been the primary beneficiary of the July revolution since the return of Tarique Rahman from London and the home minister from Shillong. “BNP has received irresponsible power, while we have received powerless responsibility”, he added.
Nahid questioned why no action has been taken against the president or the election commissioner if the current constitutional reform orders are deemed illegal.
Regarding the transition of power, he said the continuity of the state after 5 August cannot be understood solely through the existing constitution, but must be interpreted through the lens of people’s will.
He added that the 2024 elections and subsequent referendum occurred through the mandate of the revolution, as the previous constitutional framework had scheduled elections for 2029.
He urged the government to move away from what he termed a “farce” in the name of a constitution amendment committee and to implement the verdict of the referendum.
“Otherwise, we will be forced to take to the streets again with the Ulema and all the forces of July,” he warned, though he said a preference for resolving issues through parliamentary discussion.
The seminar’s keynote speaker was Amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Maulana Mamunul Haque. Special guests included state thinker Farhad Mazhar, thinker Musa Al Hafiz, and NCP Joint Member Secretary Abdullah Al Amin, MP, alongside other top leaders from various Islamic organisations.
