PM warns against attempts to create instability, aid return of a fallen autocracy

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (5 August) warned that attempts to create unnecessary controversy and instability in post-fascist Bangladesh could inadvertently pave the way for the return of the ousted authoritarian forces, urging all concerned to carefully consider the consequences of such actions.

"I would like to draw the attention of the people to one issue today. In a Bangladesh freed from fascism, some are trying to create unnecessary issues and destabilise the country. We need to consider whether, knowingly or unknowingly, such actions are facilitating the return of the defeated, deposed and fugitive authoritarian forces," he said.

The prime minister made the remarks while addressing a discussion titled "July 36" after inaugurating the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital on the occasion of July Mass Uprising Day.

Earlier in the day, Tarique formally inaugurated the museum at Gana Bhaban, the then official residence of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, on the northern side of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban complex.

The inauguration, held at around 9am, marked the formal opening of a museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the July 2024 mass uprising. It will open to visitors from tomorrow.

Former interim government head Muhammad Yunus attended the programme as special guest.

At the discussion, the prime minister said the democracy-loving people of Bangladesh expect the museum to serve as a national institution preserving the country's democratic struggles rather than becoming a platform for promoting the political narrative of any individual, group or political party.

"The 2024 mass uprising did not belong to any one individual, group or political party. The true heroes of the uprising are the democratic people of Bangladesh," he said.

Tarique said the museum should preserve not only the memory of the July-August 2024 mass uprising but also the broader history of Bangladesh's democratic movements.

He said the museum would present future generations with the courage and sacrifices of those who fought for democracy, alongside the realities of authoritarian rule, while permanently preserving the nation's struggle, sacrifice, pain, courage and democratic aspirations.

The prime minister said the museum should include photographs, documents, personal belongings of the martyrs, testimonies of the injured, newspaper reports, graffiti, posters, cartoons, poems, songs, paintings and digital archives related to the July uprising.

He said the exhibits should be based on facts and authenticity, warning that incomplete, exaggerated or politically motivated narratives weaken the credibility of history and create divisions for future generations.

Tarique also suggested presenting museum exhibits in English and other international languages alongside Bangla so that foreign visitors could better understand Bangladesh's democratic journey.

Paying tribute to those killed in anti-fascist movements, he said thousands of people had been subjected to enforced disappearances, abductions and repression during more than one and a half decades of authoritarian rule, while students, workers, women and children lost their lives during the July-August uprising.

The prime minister expressed deep respect for all those who were killed in democratic movements and during the July mass uprising and conveyed his sympathy to their families.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to accountability, he said all crimes committed during the anti-fascist movement would be tried through due legal process to ensure transparent, impartial and credible justice.

The prime minister also announced that the government had decided to name at least one institution in each locality after every person killed during the anti-fascist movement over the past 17 years and the July uprising.

Recalling a remark he has made previously, Tarique said the 1971 Liberation War was fought to achieve independence, while the 2024 mass uprising was fought to protect the country's independence and the people's freedom.

He said the government was providing free treatment for injured July fighters in public hospitals, while those critically injured were being sent abroad, including to Thailand, Singapore, Türkiye and Russia, for advanced medical care.

Tarique said 50 July fighters were currently undergoing treatment overseas, while more than 13,000 gazetted July fighters were receiving monthly honorariums through their bank accounts.

He said the government had also begun implementing its 31-point election manifesto and the July Charter signed at the South Plaza of Parliament as part of efforts to rebuild the state and fulfil the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives.

The prime minister thanked architects, historians, researchers, museum experts, artists, collectors and everyone involved in establishing the museum and expressed hope that Bangladesh would never again become a subservient state.

Following the inauguration, Tarique toured the museum with Professor Muhammad Yunus.

The museum houses photographs of the July uprising, personal belongings of the martyrs, letters, important documents, newspaper clippings, audio-visual materials, and exhibits depicting enforced disappearances, state repression, attacks on political opponents and the killings during the 2024 uprising, as well as the circumstances surrounding the fall of the previous regime.

The programme began with the national anthem, followed by recitations from the Quran and other religious scriptures.

Family members of several July uprising martyrs, including the mothers of Shariar Khan Anas and Abdullah Bin Jahid, as well as July fighter Tabassum Parpti, shared their memories and reflections during the event.