DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today attributed the success of the July-August Movement to the people's desire for change, asserting that its achievement belonged to the nation rather than any individual or political party. Speaking at a discussion organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB), Rahman highlighted the active involvement of people from all walks of life in the movement. 'The movement that took place in Bangladesh during July and August was entirely a people’s movement. The July Movement succeeded because the people wanted change. The movement succeeded only when the people became fully involved in it,' he said.
Rahman, who is also the Chairman of BNP, stressed that the credit for the movement's success should be given to the people of Bangladesh. 'We have made our position absolutely clear that the credit for the success of the July Movement belongs to the people of this country. It is not the achievement of any individual or any single political party,' he emphasized. He noted that people, BNP leaders and activists, and other democratic political parties had been on the streets for the past 17 years in the movement against fascism.
The Prime Minister called upon all political parties to focus on rebuilding the country, stating that enough discussions and struggles had taken place. 'Now is the time to rebuild the country. Now is the time to move the nation forward. Now is the time to remain patient and vigilant against those who seek to hatch conspiracies,' he said. He urged the people to remain alert and gradually implement the commitments made for rebuilding the country and fulfilling the people's aspirations.
Discussing the government's reform initiatives, Rahman mentioned that the BNP's 31-point state reform programme had become a national agenda after receiving the people's mandate in the last general election. He outlined the challenges inherited by the current government and the measures taken to address them, including efforts to tackle the energy crisis, generate employment, and improve the healthcare and education sectors. 'Common people want peace on the streets, quality education for their children, better healthcare, security, and opportunities for employment or business according to their abilities,' he said.
Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to those who were victimized during the July Movement. He assured that the government would continue to support the affected people and their families, providing necessary healthcare and employment opportunities. He also called upon all to work together to ensure lasting peace, economic progress, and a durable democratic order in the country.
