Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam said those who gave their lives in the July movement were the nation’s finest sons. He made the remarks on July 29 as chief guest at a discussion titled “Shashwata July,” organised by the Dhaka College unit of Chhatra Dal in Dhaka. The event commemorated martyrs and injured people from the July mass uprising and the past 17 years of anti-autocracy movements.

Alam said the movement succeeded because of unity between students and the public, alongside an active role by politicians. He said politicians stood with students and the public from beginning to end, risking their lives. He also claimed that current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman appointed him chief coordinator when the movement began, and that he worked diligently to accelerate it.

The minister alleged that some people not seen in the field during the July movement are now claiming its main leadership. He said voters had answered such claims through elections. Alam also said the public knows whose hands keep the state safe and who stands beside people during crises. Chhatra Dal leaders and activists, the Dhaka College principal, teachers, students and guests attended the event.