Rizvi Says 17-Year Chhatra Dal Struggle Led to July Uprising

Bangla Press Desk:   BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister's Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said the long-running movement of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal over 17 years against the Awami fascism culminated in the mass uprising of July and August.

He noted that the sacrifices of the July martyrs will continue to inspire the citizens of Bangladesh to fight against injustice, tyranny, and fascism.

Rizvi made these remarks as the chief guest at a candlelight vigil titled “Aloy Smriti Samujjal” at the Central Shaheed Minar in the early hours of Wednesday.

The event, organised by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, marked the second anniversary of the historic July-August mass uprising as part of a month-long commemorative programme.

The event featured the national anthem and the lighting of candles to honour the martyrs of the uprising. Activists and leaders from various Chhatra Dal units began gathering at the Central Shaheed Minar premises from 11pm on Tuesday.

"This light is not just to remove temporary darkness, it is a world-wide light. The memory of July will enlighten us, ignite us and inspire us to move forward in a new struggle against injustice," Rizvi said.

He added that the nationalist Chhatra Dal was not born during an easy period but endured 17 long years of repression, torture, and struggle, with the July uprising serving as the ultimate expression of that lengthy movement.

Paying tribute to the martyrs, Rizvi said, "This lighting of the light is not just for one day. Every day, all the windows must be kept open so that no undemocratic, dictatorial force can ever come again. The memory of the martyrs is not just for a day, not for a month; their sacrifice will keep us awake every day."

Reflecting on the bravery of the victims, he remarked, "I have not seen the Great Wall of China, I have seen Abu Sayeed's chest. I have seen the scene of how to take bullets by raising my chest like the Great Wall of China. I have not seen the Himalayas, but I have seen Wasim Akram standing like the Himalayas and receiving hot bullets. I have not seen the Pacific Ocean, but I have seen the tears of Ahajab's mother. Those tears are deeper than the Pacific Ocean."

Criticising the deposed Awami League administration, Rizvi warned that while fascism has been defeated, its remnants persist across society. He accused the previous government of looting mega projects like the Metrorail and the Padma Bridge, urging the student community to remain vigilant.

He also praised the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, stating that his work embodies nationalism, which extends to everyday civic discipline like stopping at a red traffic signal.

Presiding over the event, Central Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib stated that the programme was held to honour the thousands of students and citizens martyred in the uprising, including 142 leaders, activists, and supporters of the Chhatra Dal.

He announced that the commemoration would be held annually.

"The sacrifices of those who gave their lives for democracy and independence, starting from Dhaka University and across the country, will never be forgotten. Chhatra Dal will always play the role of vigilant watchman in protecting the independence, sovereignty and democracy of Bangladesh," Rakib said.

Chhatra Dal Organising Secretary Aman Ullah Aman stated that the organisation shed the most blood during the mass uprising and refused to compromise on national interests despite 17 years of torture.

"July will not be allowed to be a tool for any business. The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal paid the biggest price for this movement. Bangladesh will run on the basis of equality, human dignity, social justice and good governance. Bangladesh first–this policy must be established," Aman said.

The candlelight vigil concluded late at night with widespread participation from central leaders and activists paying their respects to the dead and injured of the uprising. Source: daily Sun

BP/TD