Debate for Democracy holds shadow parliament on July uprising
Debate for Democracy hosted a shadow parliament on the July uprising and the spirit of Ekushey at FDC in Dhaka today (23 February).
The event, titled "The July Mass Uprising Proved That the Spirit of Ekushey Was Not in Vain," saw Dhaka Cantonment Girls' Public School & College emerge victorious, defeating St Joseph Higher Secondary School in the debate competition, according to a press release.
The judging panel included Prof Abu Muhammad Rais, Prof Tazul Islam Chowdhury Tuhin, Prof AKM Mazharul Islam, journalist Saidul Islam, and journalist Mainul Alam.
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At the end of the competition, participating teams were awarded trophies, crests, and certificates, which were handed over by Bangla Academy President Prof Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq and Debate for Democracy Chairman Hassan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron.
In his speech, Prof Abul Kashem highlighted the role of the July uprising in toppling the "fascist" Awami government, saying that it was inspired by the spirit of Ekushey.
He criticised Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina for her tyrannical rule, accusing her of masterminding enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
"She lost the ability to govern the state and fled the country in the face of the uprising," he said, adding that Hasina should be brought back under a prisoner exchange agreement to face trial.
Debate for Democracy Chairman Kiron also condemned the violence of the July Revolution, noting that more people were martyred by the Awami government's forces than for the Bengali language movement.
He stressed that justice for these crimes, including enforced disappearances and murders, was crucial for restoring public trust in the rule of law.
Kiron urged unity during this critical time for democracy, warning against divisive forces that could undermine the achievements of the July Revolution.
"The sacrifices of the martyrs must not go in vain," he stressed, calling for solidarity among students, the general public, and political parties to resist fascism.
He also criticised Hasina for her belief that "I am the state; this state belongs to me," and accused her of abandoning party leaders and activists after fleeing the country, resulting in the Awami League's loss of political and social support.
Kiron concluded by addressing ongoing conspiracies aimed at destabilising the country, warning that if these were not countered, the spirit of Ekushey and the July Revolution could be undermined.
