India should recognize July movement to strengthen ties, says Mahfuz Alam

In a recent Facebook post, interim government advisor Mahfuz Alam called on India to recognize the July Movement and the democratic struggle led by students and citizens in Bangladesh. 

He believes such recognition is crucial for improving relations between the two neighboring countries.

Alam emphasized that ignoring the July Movement could harm the future relationship between India and Bangladesh. 

"India should recognize unequivocally the July uprising and student-peoples‍‍` democratic struggle in Bangladesh. This is the first thing to start with. Bypassing the July uprising, the foundation of new Bangladesh will be detrimental to the relationship of both countries." he wrote.

In his post on Wednesday, December 4, Alam criticized those who deny the significance of the July Movement and support fascist actions. He stated that many believe they won’t face any consequences for these actions, but they are mistaken, 

"Indophiles, or Indian allies in this part of Bengal, are thinking that things are going to cool down and bypassing the July uprising and the fascist‍‍`s atrocities won‍‍`t cost them anything. It‍‍`s a wrong idea. People are watching everything!"

He also mentioned how India previously tried to portray the recent events in Bangladesh as linked to extremism, anti-Hindu sentiment, and an Islamist uprising. However, he argued that these efforts have failed.

Alam urged India to shift its perspective and understand the current reality in Bangladesh, which, according to him, is different from the period after 1975. He described the July Movement as a "democratic and responsible struggle" that represents a united and dignified Bangladesh. He believes this movement will continue and that Bangladeshis will stand firm for their rights.

In his post, Alam also referenced a popular slogan from the protests, "Delhi or Dhaka, Dhaka, Dhaka / Motherland or martyrdom!" He pointed out that this slogan is being echoed across the country, symbolizing Bangladesh‍‍`s unity and resolve. 

He warned that India should not view this progressive, democratic Bangladesh as an enemy.

"Post ‍‍`71, we were succumbed to failure as a polity, but not this time!" Alam concluded, expressing hope for the future.