A new political row has erupted over the government’s declaration of 8 August as “New Bangladesh Day”, with political parties and civic organizations demanding the date be changed to 5 August, which they say truly marks the beginning of a new era.
Jamaat, NCP leaders demand 5 August
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, in a Facebook post, said, “The New Bangladesh Day should be declared on 5 August, not 8 August.”
National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah echoed the demand, stating from his verified profile, “New Bangladesh was born on 5 August, not 8 August.”
Another NCP leader, Sarjis Alam, wrote, “The Second Independence Day did not begin on 8 August. What began then was an attempt to undermine it through compromises. The 5th of August is both the July Mass Uprising Day and the Second Independence Day.”
Inqilab manch threatens ‘red march’
The Inqilab Manch, a platform of July uprising participants, has threatened to launch a nationwide protest if the interim government proceeds with observing New Bangladesh Day on 8 August.
At a press conference held at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen on Friday, Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman bin Hadi announced that the group would organize a “Red March” from Shahbagh to Manik Mia Avenue and stage demonstrations at all regional government offices across the country on 8 August.
Criticism of interim government’s role
Inqilab Manch leaders argued that on 8 August 2024, the interim government was formed under a “fascist-era president,” dashing hopes for a revolutionary administration that would implement major state reforms promised during the mass uprising.
They claimed that nearly ten months into its tenure, the interim government has failed to initiate key reforms, rendering the celebration of New Bangladesh Day on 8 August meaningless.
Sharif Osman said, “Our National Liberation Day is 5 August – not 8 August. If the interim government proceeds with its plan, it will be considered an act of betrayal against the July Revolution.”
Calls to honor martyrs and release the July Charter
The group demanded that 5 August be officially declared as National Liberation Day or Second Independence Day and that 16 July be renamed July Martyrs’ Day to honor all six individuals killed in the Rangpur police firing, not just student leader Abu Sayeed.
“The state must honor all martyrs equally,” Hadi said, adding that the contributions of students from Qawmi madrasas and private universities must also be formally recognized.
Criticizing delays in the release of the July Charter, Hadi accused the government of focusing more on appeasing political parties than respecting the sacrifices made during the uprising. “Even after 30 working days, the charter has not been published,” he said. “The interim government must understand that its accountability lies first with the families of 2,000 martyrs and 30,000 injured.”
He concluded that the Red March would include families of the martyrs, injured protesters, and student representatives, and warned that demonstrators may remain on the streets until the charter is released.
Govt recognizes both 5 and 8 August, sparks debate
On 25 June, the government declared 5 August as July Mass Uprising Day and 8 August as New Bangladesh Day. According to a Cabinet Division circular, 5 August will be observed annually as a “Ka” category day and 8 August as a “Kha” category day on the list of national and international observances.
The government also designated 16 July as Martyr Abu Sayeed Day and included it as a “Kha” category day.
36-member committee formed to oversee observances
To oversee the commemoration of the July uprising, a 36-member national committee has been formed, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. The government has planned a 36-day program from 1 July to 5 August to mark the anniversary of the uprising.
BNP keeps mum
BNP did not make any comment in this regard while the party has taken elaborate programs to observe the July-August mass uprising with month-long programs.
Asked about BNP's stance about the 8 August ‘New Bangladesh Day’, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed did not make any comment.
“BNP has nothing to say in this regard,” BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan told the media.
Meanwhile, LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain on Friday said the government is reconsidering the decision about the issue.
While talking to reporters, he said discussions about the issue are being held at different levels of the government.
Courtesy: The Daily Sun
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
