BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has expressed deep concern over the recent clashes at Shahbagh centering on the legacy of the July warriors. Referring to the violent incident on August 1, he said that people across the country were pained and disheartened by the behavior of those claiming to represent the spirit of the July movement.

Speaking on Saturday afternoon during a visit to observe the representative election of Lahar Kandi Union BNP at the Chandkhali High School ground in Lakshmipur Sadar Upazila, Annie questioned whether true July warriors could be responsible for such actions. He said the violence was a matter of national grief, as it not only hurt individuals but also undermined the values of a prolonged democratic struggle.

Annie stated, “They call themselves July warriors, but what happened in Shahbagh—will the people of this country accept that as their legacy? Can true July warriors behave like that? Were the July warriors limited to Shahbagh alone? No, the July uprising belonged to the entire nation. The people of Bangladesh, from all corners, were July warriors.”

He condemned the infighting that took place under the banner of the July movement, suggesting that such incidents injure the very spirit of unity that the movement aimed to inspire. He warned that such internal divisions can only benefit fascist regimes, giving them the opportunity to exploit political disunity. Annie recalled how opposition forces across the country united against the ruling regime in the past, often at great personal cost. “We all fought together against Hasina’s tyranny. During the struggle, the regime opened fire from helicopters, killing children. Students and ordinary citizens were murdered. Many BNP leaders and activists were abducted, tortured, or killed. It was because of this relentless struggle that Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee.”

Reflecting on these past sacrifices, Annie emphasized the importance of remaining united. He lamented that while people have fought and bled for democracy, some claiming the legacy of that struggle have deviated from its core principles, opting instead for infighting and self-interest.

He also criticized emerging political trends, especially after the July movement, where he believes new political parties and individuals failed to act in line with national expectations. “In the past year, there were many responsibilities political leaders and parties should have fulfilled, especially after the July uprising. But they have not done so. Now we hear of new political parties being formed. But this is not what the people wanted. They were fighting for meritocracy and protesting against quotas,” he said.

Annie also rebuked those who previously gained attention by pointing out the failures of mainstream politicians, saying, “They used to highlight the flaws in politics and take pride in it, becoming central figures in national discourse. But now, they are silent.”

He concluded by expressing concern about the current state of national instability, which he attributed to a failure of governance and an erosion of public trust in the administrative machinery. Annie urged immediate steps toward restoring democratic order, including a credible national election under a neutral authority. “The ongoing unrest and administrative breakdown prove that public safety is now at serious risk. A government formed through a free and fair election is the only way forward for this country,” he asserted.