'Power lust and treating the state as personal property will bring back July again': Manju

AB Party Chairman 'Mujibur Rahman Manju' has warned that the spirit of the July uprising will continue to resurface whenever those in power begin to treat the state as their personal property and the people as their subjects.

He made the remarks on Friday while inaugurating a symbolic coffin procession organized by the AB Party in the capital to commemorate the martyrs of the July mass uprising. The event was part of the party's central programme. AB Party Secretary General 'Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad' and Joint Secretary General 'ABM Khalid Hasan' also addressed the gathering.

Manju described the martyrs of the July uprising as the true successors of the martyrs of 1971, saying they proved through their sacrifice that the country does not belong to any individual or group. Referring to the slogan, *"The country, earned through the blood of countless martyrs, belongs to no one's father", He said it would continue to inspire people to resist injustice and authoritarianism in the future.

Responding to questions about what the July uprising had achieved, Manju claimed that long-standing political demands of the BNP and Jamaat had found an opportunity for implementation. He also said that the new political force that emerged from the July movement had secured a significant position in Parliament. According to him, it is now the responsibility of these political parties to fulfil the aspirations of the July uprising.

He said the core objectives of the movement were to establish the rule of law, eliminate discrimination, and build a state based on citizens' rights. He urged the implementation of the political reform commitments made before the Consensus Commission and called on political forces that had made mistakes in the past to seek public forgiveness.

AB Party Secretary General Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad expressed concern that, even two years after the July uprising, the final list of martyrs has yet to be published. He warned that failing to officially recognize the genuine martyrs could lead to the distortion of history.

Fuad demanded the immediate formation of an independent committee to finalize the list of genuine martyrs, remove fraudulent names, ensure the rehabilitation of martyrs' families, and involve the July Memorial Foundation effectively in the process. He also called for greater state support for plays, films, and other cultural initiatives to preserve the history and sacrifices of the July uprising for future generations.

The symbolic coffin procession began at Bijoy-71 Square in Bijoynagar and marched through Kakrail Intersection, Nightingale Intersection, and Paltan Intersection before returning to Bijoy-71 Square. Participants paid tribute to the martyrs of the July uprising and chanted slogans expressing grief, respect, and opposition to fascism.

Leaders and activists of the AB Party's central committee, metropolitan units, and its affiliated and associate organizations were present at the programme.