July Movement Compared to Liberation War, Civil Surgeon Apologizes Under Fire

Staff Reporter

Dhaka District Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Zillur Rahman has come under fire from freedom fighters after comparing the July 2024 movement to the 1971 Liberation War.

The incident occurred on Wednesday (March 26) during the celebration of Independence Day and National Day in front of the Dhaka District Administration Office. Later, the civil surgeon apologized for his remarks.

The event began at 11 AM on Wednesday. After the guests took their seats, the national flag was hoisted. Later, Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Tanvir Ahmed inaugurated the program by releasing doves and balloons. Following a rally and parade, freedom fighters were honored, after which the invited guests began delivering speeches.

At one point, Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Zillur Rahman started his speech, saying, “The independence we achieved in 1971 remains incomplete. That is why the July 2024 movement happened. Just as we honored the freedom fighters, we will also honor the July movement activists.”

Zillur Rahman further said, “The reasons for which the Liberation War took place in 1971 are the same reasons for which the war happened in 2024. We have fought repeatedly.”

At this point, the freedom fighters present at the event strongly protested. They stood up from their seats and objected, saying, *”You are saying the war happened for the same reasons—that is not true. The 1971 Liberation War cannot be compared to the 2024 movement.”*

Freedom fighter Md. Nurul Islam, who participated in the protest, said, “I was 21 years old during the Liberation War. I was the only son of my mother’s two sisters. When young men and women were being captured and killed, my mother told me, ‘The Pakistanis will capture and kill you. Go join the Liberation War. Even if you become a martyr, I will not grieve.’”

He continued, “I went to India, received guerrilla training, and fought for nine months in Sector 11. During that time, I lived in jungles, was bitten by insects, suffered wounds, and struggled to get proper food. We trained at night because we couldn’t come out during the day for fear of Pakistani soldiers. We endured so much hardship to liberate the country. We never asked for anything in return. The state honored us as the greatest sons of the nation, and we were happy. But when the Liberation War is equated with the July 2024 movement, it hurts us. It insults our dignity. That’s why we protested. We fought for nine months, while they only protested. The quota reform movement happened due to the government’s mistakes.”

Later, Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Zillur Rahman apologized for his unintended mistake, saying, “I am a child of a freedom fighter’s family. If my words hurt anyone unknowingly, I am sorry.”

Following this, Deputy Commissioner Tanvir Ahmed urged everyone to remain calm. When the commotion did not subside, a freedom fighter apologized on behalf of all and requested silence. Eventually, the situation calmed down.