Politics can’t be done only by capitalising on July spirit: Home minister

Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said politics cannot be done only by capitalising on the “Spirit of July”, urging those who capitalised on the 2024 uprising to present a credible vision for a new political order.

“Those who had used the July movement to become MPs, ministers or advisers should now deliver on their promises of introducing a new political framework,” he said while speaking at a discussion on the July Uprising organised by the Gono Odhikar Parishad in Dhaka today (19 July).

“They [who speak of a new political settlement] should not follow the practices of the previous system by maintaining ties with friends of the Awami League or war criminals,” the minister said.

“People can no longer be misled by statements that go against their aspirations. You cannot use 1947 for political gain, deny 1971, and then seek to exploit 2024 for the same purpose,” he said.

Salahuddin said his party’s political position was clear. “We do not want the return of fascism, nor do we want people to shed blood on the streets again for democracy. To ensure that, we must preserve the anti-fascist national unity.”

Regarding mob attacks, the minister said mob justice is not justice. It is a form of mob culture or a harmful social practice. “What has occurred in the name of mobs should be described as injustice. The phenomenon emerged during the interim government’s tenure when the rule of law could not be effectively enforced.”

He also emphasised the judiciary’s central role in upholding the rule of law, saying legislation and executive support alone were insufficient without an independent judicial system.

Although a debate over judicial independence continues, Salahuddin said the judiciary currently enjoys significant autonomy.

He alleged that politically influenced decisions by some judges in both lower and higher courts have contributed to injustice and prolonged social instability.