Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has issued a stern warning that the government will not tolerate any particular party engaging in “political business” by exploiting the spirit of the July Mass Uprising. Criticising the opposition’s “shadow cabinet”, he said it might offer the pleasure of playing at being a minister or a “minister in name only”, but genuine responsibility must be demonstrated.

Criticising the opposition National Citizen Party (NCP) over its claims to the legacy of the July Revolution, Salahuddin Ahmed said, “One party has exhausted itself by repeatedly selling the spirit of 1971. Now there are attempts to start a new business using the spirit of July. The July Revolution is the result of the sacrifices made by people from all walks of life in this country.”

He made the remarks on Thursday (April 30) while participating in the discussion on the motion of thanks on the President’s address on the 25th day of the first session of the 13th National Parliament. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram presided over the session.

Tk 30 lakh crore allegedly siphoned off during Awami League rule

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament that nearly Tk 30 lakh crore had been siphoned out of the country during the Awami League’s rule. He said the enormous sum could have financed the construction of 24 Padma Bridges or 14 metro rail systems.

Addressing the opposition, he said, “Instead of debating who is the greater freedom fighter, let us work together to bring back the money that has been siphoned out of the country.”

On the issue of bank takeovers, he said, “Previously, banks were taken over by using intelligence agencies to intimidate people. Now, many are taking them over by chanting ‘Nara-e-Takbir’. Such takeovers must be stopped.”

The home minister said the scale of looting during the previous 15 years had been documented in a white paper. On average, he said, $16 billion had been siphoned out of the country annually—an amount that could have financed the construction of dozens of Padma Bridges or metro rail systems.

Criticising the use of the July Uprising’s spirit for political gain and the opposition’s shadow cabinet, he reiterated, “It may offer the pleasure of playing at being a minister or a ‘minister in name only’, but genuine responsibility must be demonstrated.”

BNP opposes delaying election in the name of reforms

On bank takeovers and looting, the minister said, “The methods of taking over institutions may have changed between the Awami League era and the present, but looting must stop.”

He expressed concern over attempts to delay elections in the name of reforms, saying, “The BNP will not tolerate any attempt to delay the election under the pretext of reforms. The BNP signed the July National Charter primarily in the interest of holding the election, making compromises on many issues.”

He questioned why controversial provisions in the Constitution concerning the schedule of elections, as well as provisions relating to photographs and speeches of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had not yet been repealed.

He made it clear that the BNP would not accept any unconstitutional directive or formula that fell outside the July National Charter.

The minister said, “We have reached this position today after a long struggle from 2009 to 2024, a struggle marked by bloodshed. Do not try to diminish this history. During the Awami League era, the wealthy plundered what belonged to the poor, and the country’s economy was crippled. The country cannot move forward if we forget this reality and focus only on politics centred on historical ideals.”

Calling on the opposition to play a constructive and responsible role, he said, “Genuine politics means respecting the people’s mandate and following parliamentary conventions. The government is committed to advancing all reforms and the electoral process through discussions with stakeholders.”

Minister raises concerns over misuse of freedom of expression

In his speech, the home minister also expressed concern over the misuse of freedom of expression.

“Although Article 39 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, that freedom is not unrestricted. The way defamatory and vulgar language is being used to spread slander, both at home and from abroad, is damaging our social and religious harmony,” he said.

Warning against such conduct, he added, “This disgraceful trend cannot be allowed to go much further in the name of freedom.”

He urged the Ministry of Law to take steps to impose strict restrictions on those seeking to become champions in competitions involving abusive language.