Opposition Threatens Massive Protest Over “New Bangladesh Day”

The Inqilab Manch, a group comprising participants of the July uprising, has issued a stern warning of a strong movement if the interim government proceeds with observing the newly declared “New Bangladesh Day” on August 8.

Leaders of the organisation announced plans to organise a “Red March” from Shahbagh intersection to Manik Mia Avenue in the capital, along with demonstrations at regional government offices across the country on the same day. They made these threats during a Friday afternoon press conference held at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen.

Sharif Osman bin Hadi, spokesperson for the Inqilab Manch, criticized the government for taking oath from a leader associated with the past fascist regime, which, according to them, dashed hopes of forming a “revolutionary government” to bring major reforms.

He called for exposing advisers behind the scenes whom they blame for blocking the formation of a revolutionary government. The group claims that nearly ten months into its tenure, the interim government has failed to deliver meaningful reforms, rendering the observance of “New Bangladesh Day” on August 8 irrelevant.

Sharif Osman also accused the government of prioritizing political parties over the uprising participants in the finalization of reform measures and the announcement of the “July Charter.” He emphasized that their true “National Liberation Day” is August 5 and warned that moving forward with the government’s plan would be seen as a betrayal of the July Revolution.

The organization is demanding that August 5 be officially recognized as “National Liberation Day” or “Second Independence Day,” marking a pivotal moment in their struggle against what they term “fascism.” Additionally, they called for July 16 to be declared “Martyr’s Day” or “July Martyr’s Day,” instead of simply observing it as “Abu Sayeed Day,” to honor all five martyrs who fell on that day.

Expressing frustration over delays in publishing the July Charter, Hadi criticized the government for prioritizing political appeasement over respecting the sacrifices of martyrs’ families and injured fighters.