Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam has said the "footsteps" of 1/11 can be heard again, in a post on his verified Facebook account, on Monday.
"The footsteps of 1/11 can be heard! But July will prevail. The people's struggle will not be defeated," he wrote.
The 1/11 reference comes from a series of incidents from about 17 years ago, when a state of emergency was declared in Bangladesh on January 11, 2007.
The emergency declaration came in response to the political unrest over the method of election, centring on the make-up of a poll-time caretaker government.
Military intervention followed and a military-backed "interim government" was formed.
Alam's statuses stoked discussions on what he exactly meant.
He later edited the post and added that "July will prevail", before restricting its visibility by adjusting the privacy settings.
Soon after, the adviser made another post, writing, "July belongs to all of us. No one's contribution to the mass uprising in July should be denied over political or ideological differences.
"Shibir played a role through their 'manpower' and coordination. From various platforms, Shibir activists pushed the uprising forward, in some cases, led it. Chhatra Dal resisted fascist forces in Dhaka and other areas, fought in zones of resistance, and countered the League at the grassroots. Chhatra Shakti coordinated from the frontlines in the field, in civil society and cultural circles, and managed to build trust."
He mentioned that a faction of the Chhatra League rebelled and joined the movement.
He also noted that activists from the Chhatra Odhikar Parishad built resistance across the country and upheld the legacy of the previous quota reform movement.
Mahfuj Alam further that a faction of the Chhatra Union, the Chhatra Federation, and other left-wing student organisations persisted both with the narrative and presence on the ground, while left-leaning cultural and social groups provided courage among the public during the final days of July.
The adviser also praised Islamic scholars and madrasa students in his post, noting that they too took to the streets and held the line of resistance for an extended period. He cited Jatrabari as a "shining example" of their role.
Mahfuj Alam added, working-class people and private university students fought for long hours at resistance points as well. Rickshaw-pullers and lower to lower-middle-class people also built resistance. Women fought on the streets and supported the injured. Guardians—especially mothers and sisters—came out during curfew days and in the final stretch of July to provide courage. School and college students led resistance points themselves and pushed the uprising forward.
He said university journalist associations and other social-cultural organisations played a quiet yet effective role in supporting the uprising.
The emerging middle class also took to the streets toward the end of July, amplifying the uprising. Professional organisations, cultural activists and media workers expressed solidarity in the final days of July, fortifying the uprising.
He added that migrant workers, employees, and professionals abroad helped globalise the cause of July and Bangladesh's struggle. Poets, writers, public intellectuals, social influencers, and rappers inspired and motivated the people.
"Whose contribution in the people's struggle can you deny?" he concluded.
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