Political Disunity Will Inevitably Lead the Country Towards ‘1/11’: Manju

Chairman of the AB Party, Mojibur Rahman Manju, has warned that unless political parties reach an understanding and cease divisive mistakes, the country will inevitably head towards a repeat of the ‘1/11’ scenario.

Speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday (5 August) at the party’s central office in Dhaka, Manju said, “It is not just echoes we hear; we clearly see that the country is moving in the very direction it took in December 2007–January 2008.”

He proposed that to escape this situation, if elections are not held through the proportional representation (PR) system, a parliamentary election solution should be sought based on consensus among the parties involved in the people’s uprising.

Press Conference to Mark First Anniversary of July Uprising

The AB Party organised a press conference on Tuesday morning at their central office in Bijoynagar to commemorate the first anniversary of the July uprising, highlighting inspiration, self-reflection, and renewed commitment.

Manju stated,

“The ghost of Hasina still lingers in this country, along with the spectre of India. Fascism here has only changed its guise. We must now consider whether it is possible to form a national government based on consensus for the next five years. Otherwise, everyone will bear the burden of internal factionalism and its consequences. If the controversies over partnership are not resolved now, the nation will once again be divided. Especially regarding July, we want no division. The July declaration must not become mere decoration but should be realised as a historic document.”

Reflecting on the Struggle for Citizens’ Rights

Recalling the injured and martyrs of the July people’s uprising, Manju said,

“Citizen rights have never been fully established in this land. Neither the 1952 Language Movement, nor the 1971 Liberation War, nor the 1990 Mass Uprising fulfilled our citizens’ rights. Although the heroes of ’90 could spark the uprising, they failed to establish people’s rights. In the past sixteen years, enforced disappearances and killings have engulfed the state. Even more horrifying conditions have emerged in 2024 — from helicopter shootings, disappearances of bodies, mass graves — it seems we have endured a nightmare.”

He expressed gratitude to the courageous journalists who took on their responsibilities during the 24-hour uprising, and noted,

“Mothers, expatriates, and even retired military officers broke tradition and took to the streets. From the anti-quota movement to the anti-discrimination movement, the anti-fascism people’s movement was born.”

Urging Recognition of the Movement’s True Contributors

Addressing those claiming credit for the movement, Manju said,

“We have no objection to awarding you the highest honours. But if people at all levels had not taken to the streets at the last moment, the blood of hundreds of martyrs would have been in vain.”

He warned,

“The sole dream of political parties was the downfall of Hasina. But now, in a politics of division, the nation risks being torn apart again. We issue this warning as the voice of the nation.

Comments on the July Declaration

AB Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad said,

“If we consider July seriously, we do not want to see the martyrs of July as orphans. Their bodies must be identified quickly and given proper burial with due respect. Had the July declaration been made in consultation with all political parties, it would have been more acceptable and universal.”

Other Attendees

The press conference was also attended by senior vice-chairman Professor Dr Major (Retd.) Abdul Wahab Minar, vice-chairman Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Didarul Alam, joint general secretary Barrister Nasrin Sultana Mili, among others.

Summary Points from Manju’s Statement