No one should be allowed to claim sole ownership of July Uprising: Bobby Hajjaj

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj today (17 August) said no individual, political party or group should be allowed to claim sole ownership of the July Uprising, describing it as a collective movement that brought together people with different backgrounds and demands.

Speaking at a discussion titled "Voices of July: Youth, Commitment and Resistance", organised by the Canadian University of Bangladesh in Dhaka, he said the July Uprising should not be viewed as a single, isolated movement.

Rather, it evolved through a series of protests driven by different demands and expectations, he said.

"Some people took to the streets demanding jobs, some sought democracy and the protection of rights, while others protested against injustice," Bobby said.

Despite their differences, people eventually united around a common goal, ensuring that the state and government work in the interests of citizens while protecting their rights and dignity, he said.

Drawing a comparison with the spirit of the Liberation War, the state minister said there had previously been a tendency to treat a major national achievement as the exclusive property of a particular political party or group.

He said the same situation should not be allowed to develop around the July Uprising.

Emphasising the civic responsibilities of young people, Bobby said citizens' responsibilities do not end with a change in government.

Holding the government accountable after it assumes office is an even more important responsibility, he said.

Addressing university students, he urged them not to limit themselves to raising their own demands but also to monitor whether the government and elected representatives are properly fulfilling their responsibilities.

"Political parties may be important, but the country is more important," he said.

The ultimate goal should be to ensure that every government remains accountable to the people, he added.