Long Struggle Culminated in the July–August Mass Uprising, Fall of the Autocratic Government Was Its Outcome, Aslam Chowdhury FCA

Md. Omar Faruk | special correspondent SITAKUNDA, Chattogram: BNP Chairperson's Adviser Mohammad Aslam Chowdhury FCA has said that the July–August Mass Uprising was not an isolated event but the culmination of years of continuous democratic movements led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the country's freedom-loving people. "The July–August Mass Uprising did not happen overnight. It was the result of a long struggle to restore democracy. The fall of an autocratic government was the natural consequence of that movement," he said. He further stated that the prolonged movement led by the late Begum Khaleda Zia and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman laid the foundation for the July–August uprising. "As a result of its authoritarian rule, the fallen Awami League government will remain remembered with public resentment. Any conspiracy aimed at creating instability and disorder in the country must be resisted through national unity," he added. He made these remarks while addressing a Victory Rally and Public Assembly organized on Wednesday morning (August 5) by the Sitakunda Upazila and Municipal BNP, along with its associate and affiliated organizations, marking the anniversary of the July–August Mass Uprising. Aslam Chowdhury said he had never compromised with authoritarianism, despite facing imprisonment and personal and business-related hardships. "Nothing could divert me from my principles. Inspired by the uncompromising leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, I remained active in the movement for democracy. The people of Sitakunda have successfully overcome every challenge, and I believe they will continue to do so in the future, Insha'Allah," he said. He also emphasized that under the ideals of the late President Ziaur Rahman and the leadership of Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh is moving forward through positive politics and good governance. "The country's development and progress are receiving appreciation in the international arena. Our guiding principle is not words, but action—Bangladesh first. Every leader and activist of the BNP and its affiliated organizations must contribute from their respective positions to build a prosperous nation," he added. The rally and discussion meeting was presided over by Dr. Kamal Kader, Convener of Sitakunda Upazila BNP, and moderated by Mohammad Morshalin, Member Secretary of the Upazila BNP. Among those who addressed the gathering were BNP leaders Didarul Islam Mahmud Chowdhury, Zohurul Alam Zohur, Md. Salamat Ullah, Municipal BNP Convener Jakir Hossain, Member Secretary Saleh Ahmed Chhulu, Joint Member Secretary Fazlul Karim Chowdhury, Nurul Anwar Chairman, Nur Uddin Mohammad Jahangir Chairman, Abul Bashar Chairman, Abul Kalam Azad, Kazi Enamul Bari, Freedom Fighter Abul Munsur, Yusuf Nizami, Badiul Alam Badrul, Bakhtiar Hossain, Mojaher Uddin Ashraf, Alauddin Masum, Advocate Ainul Kamal, Mostafizur Rahman Hiru, Idris Mia, Jahed Hossain, K.M. Nazim Uddin, Khorshed Alam, Upazila Jubo Dal President Md. Sahab Uddin Raju, General Secretary Md. Ismail Hossain, Awrangzeb Mostafa, along with a large number of leaders and activists from the BNP and its affiliated organizations, including Jubo Dal, Krishak Dal, Sramik Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal, from the upazila and union levels.