Leftists seek new upheaval, say July aspirations remain unmet

Leftist and progressive political parties on Wednesday called for preparations for another "mass uprising" to restructure the state and transform the existing political system, claiming the aspirations of the July Uprising have remained largely unfulfilled over the past two years.

At separate discussions, rallies and protest marches marking July Uprising Day, the leaders alleged that although the movement had inspired hopes of far-reaching social and political change, the country had since moved "in the opposite direction" of its proclaimed ideals.

They said another ‘revolutionary mass uprising’ would be needed to establish a discrimination-free state, secure people's rights and bring about systemic change.

At a discussion organised by the Democratic United Front, an alliance of left and progressive parties, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) President Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan, Bangladesh Socialist Party (BSD) Assistant General Secretary Rajequzzaman Ratan, Ganotantrik Biplobi Party General Secretary Mosherefa Mishu and other leaders alleged that although the July movement had been launched in the name of ending discrimination, its core objectives remained unfulfilled.

“Instead of eliminating discrimination, a communal and fundamentalist force has emerged with the support of those who led the movement,” the speakers alleged, adding that such forces “cannot be confronted with the help of the BNP” and that the responsibility rested with the left.

They further said the next mass movement would be directed “against communal militant groups, against the trade agreement with US imperialists, for reopening factories and for securing the rights of the people”.

“Everyone must prepare for another mass uprising to protect people's lives, livelihoods and rights,” they said.

Separately, the Bangladesh Socialist Party (BSD) brought out a red-flag procession in the capital demanding the cancellation of what it termed an unequal trade agreement with the United States, withdrawal of increased electricity and gas tariffs, and fulfilment of a series of socio-economic demands.

The procession began in front of the Dhaka Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha and marched through Topkhana Road, Paltan, Nur Hossain Square and Golap Shah Mazar before concluding with a rally outside the National Press Club.

Addressing the rally, BSD General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz and Assistant General Secretary Rajequzzaman Ratan said people in Bangladesh had repeatedly taken to the streets in pursuit of a society free from exploitation and discrimination.

They claimed the July uprising had taken place because the aspirations of the Liberation War remained unrealised, while alleging that “the defeated forces of 1971 are capitalising on July and trying to erase the history of the Liberation War”.

The leaders also alleged that the influence of extremist religious groups had increased following the July uprising under the patronage of the interim government and urged the authorities to prevent "anti-liberation extremist religious forces" from creating anarchy.

Meanwhile, at a discussion organised by the National Liberation Council, Coordinator Faizul Hakim said the July movement had demonstrated that democratic rights were secured through organised mass resistance rather than judicial proceedings.

“The lesson of July is that the path to achieving democratic rights is not a court of law, but a mass uprising,” he said.