Pabna-3 MP Muhammad Ali Asghar said “July 36” cannot be erased from people’s hearts and that people must live carrying the spirit of July. He made the remarks on Friday night at the opening day of a July remembrance programme organised by the Chhatmohar upazila branch of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir at the historic Baluchar field in Chhatmohar municipal area, Pabna. He said he could not have become an MP without July, and others could not have become prime minister, minister, speaker or deputy speaker.

Asghar said July fighters gave their lives to build a Bangladesh based on justice and showed the country a dream. He said some of those who died could have become doctors, engineers, deputy commissioners, superintendents of police or secretaries. He described the July movement as not belonging only to Jamaat, Shibir or BNP, but to students and people seeking a discrimination-free Bangladesh.

The MP called for a legal basis for a referendum and implementation of the July charter, saying leaders could not go against the public. He said Abu Sayed and Mugdha gave their lives for a Bangladesh against extortion and drugs and for changes in policy. Other speakers included Maulana Habibur Rahman and several local figures.