Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed criticized the Awami League at a reception and discussion meeting marking July Uprising Day at the China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka on August 5. Speaking as chief guest, he said the party had shown no remorse after what he described as injustice, killings, disappearances, money laundering, torture and incidents such as the Aynaghar. He said the party had spoken of returning to the country in December and that they would meet on the streets if it did.

Referring to his political life, Ahmed said he fought in the Liberation War at age 27 and would fight another war for Bangladesh at age 82 if necessary. He said he would work to make the rule of the people and democracy permanent in Bangladesh. Recalling that he was injured in the 1971 war, he said he had not fought to see such a Bangladesh.

Ahmed called July's history a history of pride and praised the courage of people such as Abu Sayeed. Addressing July fighters, he said they might not receive everything but would receive respect from the government. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Jamaat secretary general Mia Golam Parwar, political leaders, diplomatic representatives and families of July movement martyrs attended.