| Desk Report: The Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) on Wednesday claimed that the participation of Islamic scholars (ulema), madrasa students and people from all walks of life was instrumental in the success of last year`s July mass uprising, while stressing that broad-based national unity is essential to prevent the return of authoritarian rule.
The observations came at a discussion titled "Resistance of Ulema and Madrasa Students: Victory of the Blood-Stained July Mass Uprising," organised by the party at its central office in Bijoynagar to mark the second anniversary of the July uprising.
Speaking at the event, AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju drew a comparison between the Hefazat-e-Islam rally of May 5, 2013, and the events of August 5 during last year`s anti-government movement.
"People wept in silence after the brutality of May 5. Mothers and sisters prayed from their homes. But on August 5, men and women alike took to the streets against the violence. Their united resistance forced the authoritarian regime to flee. That is the significance of the mass uprising," he said.
Monju alleged that supporters of what he described as the previous "fascist regime" are attempting to re-establish their political relevance after its fall.
"Throughout history, defeated forces either surrender or flee, but their collaborators and remnants try to regroup," he said, adding that similar attempts are now being made following the political change brought about by the July uprising.
Highlighting the role of religious scholars, Monju said that although the ulema generally remain outside active partisan politics, they have repeatedly stood with the nation during critical moments.
He said religious scholars had made notable contributions to major historical movements, including the anti-British struggle, the Language Movement, and movements against military rule.
"Despite differences of opinion among themselves, the ulema have always remained uncompromising on Bangladesh`s independence, sovereignty and national interests," he said.
Referring to the 2013 Hefazat rally at Shapla Chattar, Monju claimed that many political forces failed to support the religious scholars at the time, allowing the government to suppress dissent and consolidate its rule.
He also said the July movement expanded gradually, beginning with university students before drawing in college students, private university students, madrasa students, women, cultural activists and people from different professions.
"The participation of students from universities, colleges, private universities and madrasas, along with the ulema, was one of the defining features of the movement," he said, paying tribute to those involved.
Several invited speakers also highlighted what they described as the historical role of Islamic scholars in political and social movements.
Khelafat Majlish Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Ahmad Ali Qasemi said lasting protection against authoritarianism would require structural reforms and called for the implementation of the proposed "July Charter."
National Ulema Alliance Member Secretary Maulana Sanaullah claimed that the seeds of the July uprising had been sown during the events of May 5, 2013, while criticising the previous government`s handling of political dissent.
Islami Jubo Samaj Secretary General Maulana Abdullah Al Masud Khan said madrasa students had joined the quota reform movement despite having no direct personal stake in it.
Khelafat Jubo Majlish President Jahiduzzaman said Islamic scholars had historically contributed to every major political movement in the country, beginning with the anti-colonial struggle.
The programme, moderated by AB Party Joint Secretary General Shahadatullah Tutul, was attended by leaders of AB Party and several religious and political organisations, including July movement activist Maulana Sadman Fuad and others.
The discussion formed part of a series of programmes being organised by different political groups to commemorate the second anniversary of the July mass uprising.
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