Acting President Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, has said the Awami League has shown no remorse despite what he described as years of injustice, killings, enforced disappearances, money laundering, torture and the use of secret detention facilities known as “Aynaghar.”
“They have no sense of shame even after so much injustice, oppression, killings, enforced disappearances, money laundering, torture and Aynaghar,” he said. “Yet they are saying they will return to the country in December. We are waiting. Come back to the country. Come, and Inshallah, we will meet you on the streets.”
Hafiz said he had fought in Bangladesh’s Liberation War at the age of 27 and was prepared to fight once again for the country at the age of 82.
“I fought in the Liberation War when I was 27. Now, at 82, I will fight another battle for Bangladesh,” he said. “We will ensure that people’s rule and democracy are permanently established in Bangladesh. I shed blood for this country and was wounded in the war in 1971—not to see a Bangladesh like this.”
Hafiz made the remarks on Wednesday (August 5) while delivering the keynote address as chief guest at a reception and discussion for the families of those killed in the July uprising and July fighters. The event was held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center to mark “July Mass Uprising Day 2026.”
Referring to the event, he said: “I want to assure you that two ministers here, as well as Junaid Saki downstairs, have delivered excellent speeches. This is your elected government. If we make mistakes, correct us. We cannot become the Awami League, nor do we want to.”
Hafiz said the history of July was a history of glory and courage.
“Inshallah, the history of July is a glorious history. There are many countries in the world whose citizens cannot stand with their arms outstretched in front of raised bayonets. What nation is this courageous? We are that nation, and we are proud of them.”
Addressing the July fighters, he urged them not to lose heart if all their expectations were not immediately fulfilled.
“Those who are here, do not be disheartened. Those who gave their lives in 1971 may not have received anything immediately either. You, too, may not always receive everything you hope for, but you will certainly receive respect from this government.”
Addressing the families of those killed and those injured during the uprising, Hafiz said the government would devote all the resources the country could afford to their welfare.
“We will give everything our poor country can afford for your welfare,” he said. “Taking care of the families of those who sacrificed their lives in July, and ensuring treatment and rehabilitation for those who were injured, lost their eyesight or lost limbs, is among the most sacred responsibilities of this government. Inshallah, together we will fulfil that sacred responsibility.”
Addressing ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and leaders of the Awami League, whose activities have been banned, the acting president reiterated that the party had shown no remorse.
“The Awami League has no remorse. Even after so much injustice, oppression, killings, enforced disappearances, money laundering, torture and Aynaghar, they have no sense of shame,” Hafiz said.
“They are saying they will return to the country in December. We are waiting. Come back to the country. Come, and Inshallah, we will meet you on the streets.”
—