AL will be resisted on streets: Acting President

Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed (Bir Bikram) on Wednesday pledged that the government would ensure the dignity, rights and welfare of those who participated in the July Uprising, while warning that any attempt by the Awami League to create instability would be met with firm resistance "on the streets" alongside the public.

Speaking as chief guest at a discussion and reception honouring the families of those killed and participants in the July Uprising at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, Hafiz Uddin said the uprising had created a historic opportunity for state reform and that recognising the sacrifices of its participants was both a moral and national obligation. He said the government would do everything within its limited resources to safeguard the welfare of the July fighters and stressed that they should not have to seek their rights by repeatedly approaching ministries or political leaders. Criticising the Awami League, he alleged that the party had shown no remorse over allegations of enforced disappearances, killings, torture and other human rights violations during its years in power, warning that any renewed attempt to foment unrest would be decisively resisted.

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The acting president also described disruptions during the screening of a documentary on the July Uprising at the state event as regrettable after attendees objected to the omission of several figures and events associated with the movement. He said historical events should be presented accurately and completely for future generations and criticised interruptions to speakers, saying such conduct had no place at a national ceremony. In a separate message marking the anniversary, Hafiz Uddin reiterated the government's commitment to restoring democracy, ensuring justice and accountability, rehabilitating those affected by the uprising, supporting the families of those killed, and pursuing credible legal proceedings over crimes allegedly committed during the movement.