Saiful Haque, general secretary of Bangladesh’s Revolutionary Workers Party, called for building an equal, democratic and humane state to honor those killed in the July-August mass uprising. Speaking at a martyrs remembrance rally organized by his party in Hatirjheel, Dhaka, on Tuesday, he also demanded the immediate publication of a complete list of those killed and injured in the July revolution.

Haque said the martyrs sacrificed their lives for an equal democratic and humane state and society, not to increase the political capital of any particular force or group. He said narrow politics should not be conducted using their memory. He further argued that economic and social inequality, job losses and unemployment had increased over the past two years, while people’s lives and livelihoods had not become secure.

He said terrorism, extortion and land grabbing had not stopped. Citing foreign-dependent energy policy, Haque said gas and electricity shortages had deepened and urged stronger domestic institutions, including BAPEX. He said the BNP government had demonstrated notable success in democratic rights and tolerance during its first six months, while people would now want implementation of its social and economic protection initiatives.