Gono Odhikar Parishad’s Nur alleges fake entries in July protesters’ list

Nurul Haque Nur, president of Gono Odhikar Parishad, has alleged that the recently published list of “July protesters” includes false entries, similar to past controversies involving the list of Freedom Fighters.

Speaking at a discussion in Dhaka on Tuesday, Nur questioned the legitimacy of the July protesters’ list.

“We have already seen fake names in the freedom fighter list. People who never took part in the Liberation War receive benefits and allowances.

“Now, we are seeing the same thing with the July protesters’ list. It’s embarrassing that people who were not part of the July Uprising are now being listed as July protesters.”

He added, “I’ve seen media reports where someone who was killed while trying to mug people has been included in the list. Others who were never involved in the movement are also included.”

Nur called for those involved in creating the list to be held accountable.

“This list is an insult to those killed in July. It disrespects the spirit of the movement. We demand legal action against those responsible for this betrayal, regardless of who they are.”

Reflecting on the roots of the July Uprising, Nur linked it back to previous student activism.

“The movement we saw in 2024 is a continuation of the 2018 quota reform protests. July symbolises unity and solidarity for us,” he said.

Commenting on his disappointment over the interim government’s actions so far, he said: “We had high hopes from this government over the past year, but we’ve been severely let down.”

He also criticised the National Consensus Commission, which has been holding dialogues with different political parties.

He said, “Despite its name, most of the leaders involved in the Consensus Commission are more focused on party agendas than on genuine consensus.

“If the commission limits its discussions to the opinions of 34 or 35 minor parties without any real public support, it cannot make decisions on a national charter.”

Nur added that professionals like journalists and teachers must be included and that any finalised charter should be put to a public referendum.

Criticising the political legitimacy of the Jatiya Party and its role post-Uprising, he said: “After the July Uprising, parties like the Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance, both allies of the Awami League, cannot continue to do politics over the blood of those killed in July and August.”

He said that Gono Odhikar Parishad would not compromise on this issue.

“We urge the Election Commission to ban the activities of the Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance. We will not allow them to rehabilitate Awami League members under a different banner,” he added.

Nur also called on the chief advisor to restructure the government’s Advisory Council, and announce the July Charter for reforms.