Dhaka, July 21 (V7N) — Salahuddin Ahmed—a standing committee member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)—warned on Sunday that political adversaries are increasingly resorting to insults against one another, barely a year after July’s mass uprising. Speaking at a book launch at Dhaka University’s Teacher-Student Centre, he noted, “Even within one year, we have begun to forget sacrifice and tolerance. We now habitually offer opportunities to insult each other.”
 
The event, hosted by Adarsha Publishers, unveiled the cover of Abidul Islam Khan’s new book From Spark to Conflagration: Untold Chapters of the Uprising. As chief guest, Salahuddin argued that democratic forces are being divided by those who stand to benefit from internal strife. “Those who were against independence and those who rose for it—that division was created by the Awami League, selling the spirit of independence and liberation war. Are we to use that same political weapon? We must stand united for a democratic Bangladesh,” he said.
 
He further clarified that unity does not mean suppression of dissent. "Within unified forces, there should be healthy debate and contests—some may join the opposition, others the government. But all such activity should build a strong state structure in Bangladesh."
 
Meanwhile, BNP advisor Mahdi Amin, speaking later in the discussion, argued the recent mass uprising on August 5 was the direct result of persistent BNP-led movements. “For the first 16 years, BNP did its job. Then, people from all religions, classes, and professions joined, making the uprising possible. Now the demand is for reform, and the most important reform is election. Over the past 16 years, the people have been deprived of the right to vote.”
 
Other notable speakers included Jahangirnagar University professor Shamima Sultana, BASS secretary-general Mahbub Morshed, Adarsha Publishers director Mahabub Rahman, and online activist Sayed Abdullah.
 
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