Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Leader of the opposition in parliament and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, today said the 2024 July uprising and its victory belonged to the people, not to any individual or political party. He made these remarks as the chief guest at the triennial national conference of the Bangladesh Transport Workers Federation held at the National Press Club.
Recalling the events of July 2024, Dr Shafiqur Rahman noted that the then government decided on July 31 to ban Jamaat-e-Islami and implemented the decision the following day. Jamaat responded by calling on people to resist the dictatorship. Within three days of their collective call, the government was forced to flee the country.
Referring to the sacrifices of workers during the July uprising, he mentioned that UN statistics showed workers constituted the largest group among the 1,400 people killed, followed by students and ordinary citizens. He highlighted that workers did not fight for quotas but against discrimination, seeking to live with dignity and support their families honorably.
On the federation's 12-point demands, Dr Shafiqur Rahman expressed that it was unfortunate that workers still had to struggle for rights that should have been guaranteed. He urged the government to properly honor the families of those killed and injured in the July uprising.
The conference saw the formation of a 51-member central committee and was attended by delegates from across the country. Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan and Labour Welfare Federation central president Advocate Atikur Rahman were present as special guests. The significance of the July uprising for Bangladesh lies in its demonstration of collective action against oppression and the pursuit of dignity and fair treatment for all citizens.
