Unity, Not Revenge, Is the Need of Hour

The Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, at the July National Conference in Dhaka on Saturday stated that the country must reject the politics of revenge and instead build its future on national unity.

The July uprising ensued, forcing the Awami League government’s decade -and-a-half-long dictatorial rule, to step down. Throughout this protracted struggle, many people had to make the ultimate sacrifice and endure persecution and oppression.

Speaking at the conference, organized to commemorate the martyrs of the July uprising-the Prime Minister stated that to truly honour the July martyrs, the July fighters, and all those who have been martyred over the past 17 years, the goals and objectives for which they made their supreme sacrifices must be realized. They must also all be valued, and their dreams and aspirations fulfilled, this very sentiment was echoed by the Prime Minister, saying: “Let this be the pledge we take through this event; let this be the vow we make.”

People had waged a long struggle to reclaim their rights, and in doing so, many had to sacrifice their lives or fall victim to enforced disappearances and killings.

The families of the martyrs and the injured also called for ensuring justice against everyone responsible for these acts. The Prime Minister expressed his agreement with that demand.

He reiterated his government’s commitment. At the same time, he emphasized that everyone must remain vigilant to ensure that the judicial process does not turn into a farce-as has happened in the past.
At one point during the speech, the Prime Minister became overcome with emotion.

He said, “If I could ask my mother today whether she sought revenge for the persecution she endured over the past 17 years, I am certain she would say: ‘Not revenge-unite the people of the country and move forward.'”

This realization of hers is vitally important and extremely timely for the nation. The country’s economy is in shambles, and new investment is virtually non-existent.

Many factories have shut down. Unemployment is steadily rising, and no new jobs are being created.

Yet, all those who made sacrifices over the past seventeen years gave their lives in the hope of seeing a happy and prosperous Bangladesh. To advance towards that dream-everyone must realize that what is needed today is unity, not revenge.

We believe that everyone who suffered during the long struggle has the right to justice, and the state will ensure it. At the same time, the country must move forward along the path envisioned by the people who participated in the movement.