Liberation War Affairs Minister and BNP Vice Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan on Sunday urged political forces to remain united and warned against attempts to destabilise the country, saying no “evil force” would be able to suppress the people if patriotic forces remained united.
He also criticised what he described as “impatient, intolerant and uncivil” behaviour by the opposition parties on the streets, saying such conduct could not be reconciled with the idea of civilised and democratic politics.
Ahmed Azam Khan made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a programme titled “Doctors’ Contributions to the Fiery July” at the lecture hall of Bangladesh Medical University in the capital.
Referring to Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman’s recent remarks that his party wanted a civilised Parliament and had demonstrated a constructive and responsible role since the first day of the current Parliament, Ahmed Azam Khan said Shafiqur Rahman had failed to mention the cooperation extended to the opposition by the government and the Leader of the House.
He said the opposition had been given a government and a Leader of the House who repeatedly thanked the opposition and accepted its proposals.
“I want to ask Dr Shafiqur Rahman: you want a civilised Parliament, and we want civilised politics. You will speak civilly in Parliament, but the impatient, intolerant and uncivil behaviour of your people on the streets cannot be called civilised or democratic politics,” he said.
Referring to a recent government-produced documentary shown at a state programme organised to mark July Mass Uprising Day at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, Ahmed Azam Khan alleged that there had been an attempt to disrupt the event over a minor issue.
He said he personally expressed regret after learning about the matter, but those involved did not stop.
“I eventually managed to finish the programme, but unfortunately, they brought disgrace to Bangladesh and left. The ambassadors who were present also left. The fact that the ambassadors left is what brought disgrace to that programme and the country,” he said.
Referring to the three-day exhibition titled “July Is Not Over Yet,” which was inaugurated on August 5 at the official Minto Road residence of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Ahmed Azam Khan said the documentary shown there contained a speech by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman but did not include the declaration of independence by late President Ziaur Rahman, whom he described as the “great announcer” of the Liberation War.
“Yet we did not go there to disrupt the programme,” he said.
Ahmed Azam Khan alleged that those who tried to create the disturbance were “immature”, although they were around 29 years old, and had become impatient and desperate to seize state power.
He said the spirit of the July Mass Uprising should be translated into reality and used as a source of inspiration to build a prosperous and democratic Bangladesh.
“The July mass uprising is our achievement. Unlike those who sold the spirit of independence, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government and his party will not sell the spirit of July. Those of you who are selling the spirit should learn a lesson,” he said.
Criticising attempts to besiege or attack ministries, Ahmed Azam Khan said, “You are becoming so impatient that you are going to ministries now to attack and besiege them. Again, you are saying that just as there was a monsoon uprising in 2024, there will be another monsoon uprising in 2026. An uprising against whom?”
“Fascism has fled. Those who are now in power are a government elected by the people in the fight against fascism. So forget this fantasy of an uprising against an elected government,” he said.
Urging political opponents to stay away from the desire for power, he said the next election would be held after five years and they could come to power if the people voted for them.
He also urged them not to destabilise the country, saying Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was gradually trying to rebuild an economy that had hit rock bottom.
“Do not once again, by echoing the tune of fascism, take the country towards destruction,” he said.
Addressing the doctors, he said they had made contributions that many others could not claim, both on the streets and in providing medical care.
“Therefore, I urge you doctors to remain united and ensure that there is no division. Let us all work together to build a wonderful and prosperous Bangladesh,” he said.
