Dhaka Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Zillur Rahman faced sharp criticism from war veterans after equating the July 2024 movement with the 1971 Liberation War. During a public event, he stated that the fight for democracy in 2024 was a continuation of the struggle for independence. This statement provoked strong objections from freedom fighters present, who demanded he retract his remarks. Following protests, both the civil surgeon and a veteran later apologized.