Dhaka: Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan today called on academicians to conduct a thorough study to preserve the real history of the July uprising. “We must retrieve July uprising documents including photos, videos and have to conduct studies. It is our national responsibility to safeguard the evidences of the historical truths of the uprising and include those in the text curriculum,” he said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the housing adviser was addressing the inauguration ceremony of the day-long International Conference on July Revolution (ICJR-1, 2015) at the Nobab Nowab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of Dhaka University this morning. The conference was attended by scholars from home and abroad, including the UK, Canada, and USA, who presented research papers and posters on various perspectives of the July revolution.
Adilur Rahman remarked on the actions of the deposed regime, stating, “The deposed fascist Hasina regime had made the state machinery as weapons of her political party and used it against dissents to suppress them.” He highlighted enforced disappearances and killings as routine actions of the AL government, noting that poets, teachers, journalists, and student leaders were jailed under accusations of being ‘criminals’. He criticized the Digital Security Act for stifling freedom of thought and expression.
Rahman emphasized the importance of ensuring justice and necessary reforms, saying, “The fall of fascist rule does not guarantee justice. We must reform the judiciary, security forces, and protect student movements from any new oppression.”
Retired American diplomat John F Danilowicz, speaking as a special guest, stressed sustained support for Bangladesh’s interim government and the development of a “Bangladesh 2.0”. He emphasized maintaining healthy relationships with the United States and global communities and urged the Bangladesh government to take steps to attract foreign investment by focusing on economic factors.
The opening session also featured a keynote speech by Amar Desh Editor Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, who presented a paper titled “Indian Hegemony and July Revolution 2024.” The conference convener, Professor Md. Shariful Islam, delivered the opening remarks, while Dhaka University Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed also spoke as a special guest in the session.