Ruman: No Individual or Party Can Take Sole Credit for July Movement

Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Ruman on Saturday said the anti-fascist July Movement was a collective struggle involving all pro-democracy forces in Bangladesh, rather than the achievement of any individual or single political party.

He called on everyone to avoid claiming exclusive credit for the movement or undermining the contributions of others.

Ruman made the remarks while chairing a discussion and photo exhibition titled “Bangladesh in the Face of Bullets, The End of Fascism”, jointly organised by Amra BNP Paribar and the Bangladesh Photo Journalists Association (BPJA) at the National Press Club.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon attended the programme as the chief guest.

Addressing the event, Ruman said former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia had endured imprisonment and persecution during the struggle to restore democracy, while BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman had faced severe torture and spent more than 15 years in exile. Despite their sacrifices, he said, neither Khaleda Zia nor Tarique Rahman had ever sought personal recognition for the movement.

“There is no honour in self-promotion. The BNP has never claimed that it alone led the movement. Those trying to monopolise its legacy today will ultimately be rejected by the people, and history will not remember them kindly,” he said.

Ruman also commended journalists for their role during the July Movement, saying many put their own safety at risk to help BNP leaders and activists.

“Several journalists took me and other BNP leaders to safe places on their motorcycles and in their vehicles during the movement. We remain deeply grateful for their courage and support,” he said.