August 5 victory belongs to all Bangladeshis, says PM Rahman

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman declared that the victory achieved on August 5 belongs to all citizens of Bangladesh, transcending political affiliations. Speaking at an event commemorating the second anniversary of the July Uprising, he stressed the critical need for national unity to propel the country forward.

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The fate of the country lies in the change in the fate of the people. Today that chance has come into our hands. We do not want to move forward by dividing the nation. A country can only progress when the whole nation is united.

"The fate of the country lies in the change in the fate of the people. Today that chance has come into our hands," Rahman stated. He added, "We do not want to move forward by dividing the nation. A country can only progress when the whole nation is united."

The prime minister paid tribute to the sacrifices made during the July movement, referencing the martyrdom of children and the extensive harm suffered by many. He cited United Nations figures of 65 children martyred and his own count of approximately 2,000 deaths and 30,000 injuries overall during the movement.

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The achievement we made on August 5 belongs to every democracy‑loving and peace‑loving person of Bangladesh, regardless of party or opinion.

Rahman also addressed the oppression faced by BNP leaders and activists under the previous Awami League rule. He urged for justice to be served without perpetuating further injustice, emphasizing that while sacrifices will be valued and perpetrators brought to justice, the state cannot fully restore what was lost.

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The state will try its best to value your sacrifice. Those responsible will face justice under the law. Trials have already been completed, as the home minister mentioned.

The event, titled "July National Conference," was organized by the "July ’24 Martyrs’ Family Society" and "Amra July Joddha" at the Bangladesh-China Friendship International Conference Centre in Dhaka. A documentary on the July Uprising was also screened.

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Just as the autocrat did injustice to us and to crores of people, we must ensure no injustice is done in the name of justice. If a loved one could see that, while ensuring justice, we committed injustice, surely that person would not be at peace. By following the law, the wrongdoer should get proper justice, even if it takes time.