Liberation War and July Uprising aim to establish democracy, rights: Acting President

Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed (Bir Bikram) on Wednesday called on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh, saying the country was waiting for her to face the allegations against her.

"Come back to Bangladesh. We are waiting for you," he said while addressing a reception and discussion programme honouring the families of those killed and the injured participants of the July Uprising at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka.

Referring to Sheikh Hasina's reported intention to return to the country, the Acting President alleged that she and her associates had shown no remorse despite accusations of injustice, enforced disappearances, killings, money laundering, torture and the existence of secret detention facilities known as Aynaghar.

"They talk about returning to Bangladesh in December. We are waiting�"come back and face the allegations," he said.

During his speech, Hafiz Uddin also expressed disappointment over disorder and inappropriate slogans raised during the state-sponsored programme. He criticised participants who interrupted speeches by shouting slogans such as "fake, fake," saying such behaviour was unbecoming of a national event.

Earlier, the programme witnessed commotion after allegations surfaced that a government-produced documentary on the July Uprising omitted the image of Abu Sayeed, widely recognised as the first martyr of the movement, as well as BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Calling the incident regrettable, the Acting President said mistakes could occur in any programme but should be corrected through dialogue rather than disruption.

"It was deeply embarrassing to witness such scenes in front of our foreign guests. This has caused me great pain," he said.

Drawing parallels between the 1971 Liberation War and the July Uprising, Hafiz Uddin said both movements were fought to establish democracy in Bangladesh. He stressed that the country's independence and sovereignty would remain secure as long as democracy and freedom of expression were upheld.

Recalling his own role in the Liberation War, the 82-year-old Acting President said, "I fought in the Liberation War at the age of 27. Even at 82, I am prepared to continue working for Bangladesh to ensure the people's rule and make democracy permanent."

Praising the courage of the July Uprising participants, he described the movement as a glorious chapter in the nation's history.

"What happened in July is a source of national pride. Few nations can produce citizens who would stand fearlessly before armed forces as Abu Sayeed did. We are proud of them," he said.

The reception was attended by members of the families of the July martyrs, injured participants of the July Uprising, senior government policymakers and other invited guests.