July Charter serves no public purpose, only a few advisers' political interests: BNP's Hafiz
He says he believes the people of this country do not need the July Charter
BNP Standing Committee Member Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has alleged that the much-discussed July Charter serves no purpose for the people of Bangladesh and is designed only to benefit a few individuals and advisers of the interim government seeking future political advantage.
"There has been much talk about the July Charter. As a small political activist, I believe the people of this country do not need it. It only serves the interests of certain individuals and advisers who wish to gain political benefit in the future," he said at an event of freedom fighters in Dhaka today (1 November).
His remarks come at a time when the July Charter has sparked widespread controversy and confusion in political circles. Questions have been raised about its legitimacy, objectives, and the motives of those promoting it, with critics arguing that the document lacks public endorsement and serves the interests of a select few.
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Hafiz said the Awami League government had plundered the country for 17 years before fleeing abroad following last year's mass uprising. "After that, an interim or caretaker government was formed under the leadership of Prof [Muhammad] Yunus.
"But in the past one and a half years, we have not heard them speak about the Liberation War. The freedom fighters who created this country have received neither recognition nor respect," he said.
He added that the people of Bangladesh know who created the nation in 1971. "No political party did — it was the students, youth, and ordinary people who made this country independent. The Liberation War of 1971 was the people's war, not a political party's war. And it was fought to establish democracy."
The BNP leader alleged that attempts are being made to undermine the Liberation War. "The reason is that many of those currently in influential positions in society, including within this interim government, did not participate in the war — some were even against it. That is why they want to erase the history of the Liberation War."
Hafiz further said, "Through a united struggle, the mafia government [Awami League] has been ousted. Now, some religion-based political parties are trying to delay the election out of greed for power.
"I urge them — those of us who fought together must remain united. We must not sacrifice national interest for the sake of power."
