BNP speaks of July, keeps AL in heart: NCP

National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah on Tuesday accused the BNP-led government of betraying the ideals of the July 2024 uprising, alleging that it was publicly promising justice while quietly facilitating the political rehabilitation of the Awami League (AL).

“BNP speaks of July, but the Awami League remains in its heart,” he said at a discussion held at the NCP’s central office in the capital’s Banglamotor area.

The programme, titled “Justice for the July Massacre: The Gap Between Political Commitments and Reality,” was organised by the party’s Committee for Monitoring Justice for the July Massacre and Enforced Disappearances.

Speakers at the event accused the government of delaying investigations, failing to ensure accountability for the killings and allowing cases linked to the uprising to become instruments of extortion and political bargaining.

Hasnat, the NCP’s chief organiser for the southern region, said the mass uprising had brought about a change in political leadership but failed to transform the country’s state institutions.

“We wanted the structure of the state to change. But what we have seen is merely a change of chairs,” he said.

Drawing an analogy, Hasnat compared the government to a vehicle with serious mechanical problems, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman behind the wheel.

“Unless its engine, steering wheel and wheels are repaired, even the most competent driver cannot reach the destination,” he said.

He alleged that the BNP government had prioritised the interests of politically connected business groups, corruption and the rehabilitation of the Awami League over meaningful structural reforms.

Questioning progress in the cases filed over the July uprising, Hasnat asked how many investigations.