As B'desh marks one year of July protests, former PM Hasina's son says 'democracy under threat'
Last year, starting July 1, Bangladesh witnessed a violent student movement demanding reforms of the quota system in government jobs, which led to the overthrow of the democratically elected government of Hasina.
The unceremonious exit of Hasina last August following the violent student protests was globally seen as a major setback to the democratic set-up in the Muslim-majority nation of nearly 170 million people.
Bangladesh is currently in a state of political limbo under the caretaker government led by Muhammad Yunus, until the promised general elections in 2026.
Former Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Wazed, also asserted that the "independence of the nation, the safety of its people, and its democratic foundation are all under threat, in the hands of an authoritarian regime without any public mandate."
"Recognising a mistake is not weakness -- it is the beginning of courage. Let us stand together for our country and its people. The July Riots of July–August 2024 mark one of the darkest chapters in Bangladesh's recent history. Fueled by foreign funding and backed by extremist forces, that period of violence and unrest saw the involvement of many -- some knowingly, others misled and confused," Wazed said in a post on X.
"Many members of the professional community -- people who had served the country for years -- fell into the trap of misinformation, rumours, and false promises and thus became part of that conspiracy. To those we see on social media, in the press, or in private expressing regret, disillusionment, and sorrow for having been misled -- we bear no resentment. We seek no vengeance," the post added.
Emphasising that the Awami League does not believe in the politics of revenge, Wazed stated that, inspired by the ideals of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the party believes in "forgiveness, empathy, and always looking toward the future."
The former Advisor called on the people to unite for the sake of "freedom, democracy, and the sovereignty of Bangladesh."
"Let us forget divisions of party, opinion, profession, or past choices -- and act now to save Bangladesh from the grip of this authoritarian rule. Even if it is late, we thank you for your awakening. Now is the time to act for the country. Now is the time to stand with the people," Wazed stated.
Meanwhile, last month, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) charged Hasina with crimes against humanity. It has set July 1 (Tuesday) as the date of the hearing of charges against the former Prime Minister and two others over crimes against humanity.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
41 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Migrant exodus sparks political storm in Gurugram
A police verification drive targeting undocumented immigrants in Gurugram has led to the departure of hundreds of Bengali-speaking migrant families and triggered a political controversy, with opposition leaders accusing the Haryana government of communal bias. A migrant worker settlement in South City 2, in Gurugram Sector 47 near Park Hospital, on Friday. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo) The drive, aimed at identifying undocumented immigrants, has reportedly led to 300–400 families leaving shanty settlements, particularly around South City 2, amid fears of detention and harassment. 'Even those with Aadhaar and voter cards are being detained. Police arrive without warning and take people away. Some were even beaten,' a migrant resident claimed, requesting not to be named. 'We didn't come here to break the law—we came to work hard and feed our families,' said Imran Ali, a 32-year-old construction worker from Murshidabad, who left Gurugram last week and is now staying with a cousin in Delhi's Seelampur. 'Police came to our settlement late at night. Even though I showed my Aadhaar card, they said it needed to be verified in Bengal. My wife got scared, packed our things, and we left that same night. I lost my job, and we are now surviving on whatever little savings I had. I don't know when we will go back—or if we even can.' Congress MLA Aftab Ahmed, a senior Meo community leader, alleged the drive is 'unfairly singling out Muslim residents' and 'damaging Gurugram's secular fabric and global image.' He said even individuals with valid documents have been detained and forced to leave. 'This campaign… has turned into a tool for communal victimisation,' Ahmed said, adding he has raised the issue with the state DGP and Gurugram Commissioner of Police, who assured him 'no legitimate Indian citizen will be harassed.' Chief minister Nayab Singh Saini defended the campaign, declaring, 'There is no place for Bangladeshi infiltrators in Haryana; they are being removed as swiftly as possible.' He added, 'No compromise against India's unity, sovereignty, and Constitution is acceptable... the nation's interest will always be paramount.' In response, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee slammed the drive, calling it 'linguistic terror' and alleging that Bengali-speaking workers are being deported without proper checks. 'I have been increasingly receiving reports of detentions and atrocities… West Bengal Police is receiving requests from Haryana Police for identity verification,' she said, citing Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports accusing BJP-ruled states of systematic deportations. HRW reports that this has been happening systematically in the BJP-ruled States of Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Delhi, following a directive by the Ministry of Home, Government of India. Shame!! Now, even international human rights organisations have started taking note of the linguistic terrorism unleashed in India. This must stop at once!!' the CM has been attacking the BJP-led Centre, saying that the detention of hundreds of Bengali speaking migrant workers across BJP-governed states was 'a language war and linguistic terrorism' waged on Bengal and its people. TMC MP Samirul Islam backed Banerjee, accusing BJP-led states of 'hiding data on Bengali-speaking migrants' and turning 'national security into a tool of discrimination.' 'No illegal immigrant will be allowed to stay in Haryana. The verification drive is being conducted strictly within the legal framework to ensure the safety and security of all citizens,' said Arvind Saini, media in-charge of BJP Haryana. 'The Congress is raising baseless concerns because their traditional vote bank is being affected. This is not about religion or language—it's about national interest and lawful residency.' Senior Congress leader Pankaj Dawar said many of these families have been in Gurugram for over two decades as domestic workers and labourers. 'They consider Gurugram their home. But now, their lives have been thrown into chaos,' he said. Haryana Police, however, denied any communal angle. 'The process is based on intelligence inputs and legal procedure,' said Gurugram police spokesperson Sandeep Kumar. 'We are ensuring that no Indian citizen is harassed.' As the controversy deepens, the verification campaign has become a flashpoint in the larger political discourse around migration, minority rights, and state power, according to opposing political leaders. 'The situation is not just a local law enforcement issue anymore,' Ahmed said. 'It's a test of how inclusive and just we remain as a society.'
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Eviction in Rengma: Dimapur Muslims asked to check influx
1 2 Guwahati: Following notices being served to encroachers in Rengma Reserve Forest, compelling more than 80% to vacate voluntarily from Uriamghat, the Muslim Council Dimapur (MCD) has urged the Muslim community of Dimapur, Niuland, and Chumukedima district in Nagaland to remain vigilant about the potential influx of evicted individuals. MCD working president Ahidur Rahman said the council has observed attempts by some displaced individuals to enter various locations across the three Nagaland districts. He added that the matter not only concerns the state administration and locals but also directly affects the Muslim community. He called on all community members to maintain peace and unity during this period. In the advisory, the council instructed Muslims in the affected districts to remain vigilant and report any unfamiliar individuals entering the region or suspicious movements within colonies, villages, or religious places to the nearest Gaon Buras (GBs) or law enforcement agencies. Reinforcing its stance, MCD warned that any member found providing accommodation or aid to evicted individuals would face legal action and possible expulsion from the community. MCD has distributed the advisory to all masjid committees, youth groups, and council members in the three districts, urging strict adherence to the guidelines. Several eviction drives have already been conducted in different parts of Assam, including at Paikan Reserve Forest in Goalpara district, Hasila Beel in Goalpara district, and at Chapar in Dhubri district. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the ongoing eviction drives in the state are conducted in a well-thought-out, legally sound, and systematic manner — not based on emotions. Meanwhile, Assam's implementation of Assam Accord minister Atul Bora also supported the state's eviction drive against illegal encroachments in tribal areas. He said the move, led by the CM, is important to protect tribal land and praised the CM's visits to districts to monitor the action.
India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
Man shouts ‘death to Trump' aboard flight to Glasgow, arrested after bomb threat
A man was taken into custody on Sunday after creating panic aboard an easyJet flight from Luton to Glasgow. The passenger, who reportedly shouted about having a bomb and made politically charged remarks, was restrained mid-air by fellow travellers before being arrested by police upon aboard an easyJet flight from Luton to Glasgow were left shocked and frightened when a man began shouting disturbing phrases during the journey. According to passengers, the man stood up from his seat near the back of the plane and shouted: "Stop the plane. Find the bomb on the plane. Death to America. Death to Trump."advertisementHe reportedly repeated the phrase "Allahu Akbar" -- which means "God is great" — multiple NewsOn an Easyjet flight from Luton Glasgow this morning a Muslim man shouted "death to America, death to Trump" and "Allahu Akbar". He was tackled by two passengers & pinned to the police are investigating. David Atherton (@DaveAtherton20) July 27, 2025 The man's outburst came while US President Donald Trump was on a visit to Scotland. His comments sparked fear amongst other travellers.A few passengers quickly jumped into action, pinning him to the floor. Meanwhile, members of the cabin crew climbed over seats to reach his bags and check for any possible danger. However, authorities confirmed that no actual bomb was POLICE ARREST PASSENGEROnce the plane landed in Glasgow around 8:20 AM (local time), officers from Police Scotland were already waiting on the tarmac. They boarded the aircraft and arrested the 41-year-old suspect. The man remains in custody as investigations said the incident appears to have been isolated and no one else was involved. "We received a report of a man causing a disturbance on a flight arriving in Glasgow around 8.20 AM on Sunday, 27 July 2025," said a spokesperson from Police Scotland. Videos recorded by passengers during the incident have been shared online. Police confirmed that these videos are being reviewed by counter-terrorism officers to understand more about the suspect's PRAISES CREW FOR HANDLING INCIDENTAn easyJet spokesperson said the airline's staff followed safety procedures. "Flight EZY609 from Luton to Glasgow this morning was met by police on arrival in Glasgow, where they boarded the aircraft and removed a passenger due to their behaviour onboard," the spokesperson said as quoted by The Telegraph "EasyJet's crew are trained to assess all situations and act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other customers is not compromised at any time. The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is always easyJet's highest priority," they added.- EndsWith inputs from Agencies
