Staff Reporter :
Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, stressed that the sacrifices of the people of Bangladesh were not made merely for an election or a vote but for meaningful systemic change.
Speaking on Wednesday at a winter clothing distribution event at the Balidadangi Upazila Parishad Hallroom in Thakurgaon, Bhuiyan reflected on the July uprising.
“More than 2,000 people were martyred, and over 20,000 were injured. The families of these martyrs and the injured are demanding reforms,” he said.
He noted that one of the uprising’s key demands was the removal of Sheikh Hasina from power and the abolition of a fascist system that had deeply undermined the nation’s institutions.
“The abolition of the fascist system entails reversing the damage inflicted on institutions, including economic structures,” Bhuiyan stated. He highlighted the interim government’s responsibility to implement comprehensive reforms to align with the people’s aspirations.
Bhuiyan disclosed that commissions tasked with overseeing the reform process would soon submit their reports. “We will implement the reforms through discussions with everyone,” he assured, urging unity among political parties and citizens to counter conspiracies by elements of the previous regime.
Later, Bhuiyan participated in another program at Atwari Model Pilot High School in Panchagarh’s Atwari Upazila. He distributed winter clothing to 2,000 people and provided financial assistance to families of five martyrs from the anti-discrimination student movement.
He pledged to address the historical neglect of North Bengal, promising increased allocations to eliminate regional disparities and promote local development. “This region will no longer be neglected,” he affirmed, underscoring the interim government’s commitment to equitable growth.
Bhuiyan also condemned ongoing propaganda by elements of the ousted fascist regime, describing it as an assault on the people’s aspirations.
“The conspiracies of fascists persist, but they will be held accountable on the soil of this country,” he said, calling for unity in facing such challenges.
Sarjis Alam, another speaker at the event, highlighted corruption at district and upazila levels, particularly in land offices and police services. “You must correct yourselves first. If complaints are substantiated with evidence, appropriate action will be taken,” Alam warned.
At an afternoon event at Tentulia Pilot School in Tentulia Upazila, Bhuiyan reiterated the interim government’s focus on implementing reforms as a precursor to a national election that genuinely reflects the people’s will.
“The people want national elections after real reforms, and the interim government is committed to achieving this goal,” he said.
