Dhaka: Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon today emphasized that the anti-fascist July movement was the result of collective contributions from all pro-democracy individuals in the country, rather than the achievement of any single person or political party.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rumon made these remarks while speaking at a discussion and photo exhibition titled 'Bangladesh in the Face of Bullets, The End of Fascism.' The event was organized by Amra BNP Poribar and the Bangladesh Photo Journalists Association (BPJA) at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital. The Information and Broadcasting Minister, Zahir Uddin Swapon, attended the program as the chief guest.
Rumon urged everyone not to undermine the collective contributions of the movement by claiming sole credit. He highlighted the sacrifices of former BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who faced imprisonment and persecution during the struggle to restore democracy. He also mentioned that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman endured inhuman torture and spent over a decade and a half in exile, yet neither sought credit for their personal sacrifices.
Rumon stated, "There is no glory in self-promotion. BNP has never claimed that it alone achieved everything." He warned that those who attempt to claim sole credit today will eventually be rejected by the people and forgotten by history.
He also praised the crucial role of journalists during the July Mass uprising, acknowledging that many journalists risked their lives to support BNP leaders and activists. "Many journalists helped me and numerous BNP leaders reach safe places by giving us rides on their motorcycles and in their vehicles," Rumon said, expressing gratitude for their support. He affirmed that the nation would remember the journalists' contributions during the country's challenging times.