Bangladesh cannot progress without upholding July uprising spirit says defense advisor

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The July mass uprising serves as a foundational pillar for the current administration’s efforts to reform the state and society, according to Brigadier General (Retd) A.K.M. Shamsul Islam, the Prime Minister’s defense advisor. Addressing the “Firo Dekha July 2024” event at the RAWA Convention Center in Dhaka on Saturday, he emphasized that national progress is impossible without embracing the spirit of the movement.

Shamsul Islam stated that the uprising, which he described as a symbol of national responsibility and patriotism, has underscored the urgent need for good governance and a human-centric social order. He outlined the core pillars of this vision as the eradication of inequality, the enforcement of accountability and transparency, and the fostering of national unity. He further noted that the movement’s origins can be traced through a long history of institutional challenges, including the 2009 BDR mutiny and various threats to the nation’s democratic fabric.

Outlining government support for the movement’s participants, the advisor confirmed that monthly honorariums are being provided to recognized July fighters, while those suffering from critical injuries have been sent abroad for advanced medical treatment in countries including Thailand, Singapore, Turkey, and Russia. He added that a comprehensive database of martyrs and injured individuals has been established to facilitate ongoing rehabilitation, training, and support programs.

Addressing the role of the armed forces, Shamsul Islam reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the military into a modern, professional, and apolitical institution. He stressed that merit will be the sole criterion for promotions and assignments, ensuring that the armed forces remain loyal exclusively to the constitution and the state, rather than serving as political tools for any individual or faction. He further signaled progress on long-standing justice issues, noting that the government is determined to ensure legal accountability for the BDR mutiny and the killing of Major Sinha.

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The advisor cautioned against attempts to distort the history of the July uprising for narrow political gain. He warned that national division only invites the influence of expansionist powers, a scenario he insisted Bangladesh would never accept. Emphasizing the necessity of national cohesion, he called for vigilance against propaganda that seeks to undermine the sacrifices made during the movement.

During the event, Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Kamal Akbar, CEO of the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, highlighted the ongoing progress in supporting bereaved families and the injured, urging for sustained financial support to ensure the effectiveness of these welfare initiatives. The program, which served as a forum for representatives of the martyrs’ families and retired military officials to discuss the nation’s future, also featured a documentary on the uprising and tributes to those who lost their lives.