SANGSAD BHABAN, April 28, 2026 (BSS) - Lawmakers in Jatiya Sangsad today said the July 2024 mass uprising should not be equated with the country's Liberation War, stressing the distinct historical significance and scale of the 1971 struggle.

Participating in the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President's address, members said the Liberation War remains unparalleled in the nation's history. They described it as a profound and defining event, "as deep as the ocean," arguing that no later movement including the July uprising can be placed on the same footing.

The session was presided over by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal.

Ruling party MP Md Fazlur Rahman (Kishoreganj-4) paid tribute to those who died during the July uprising but cautioned against drawing comparisons with the Liberation War. He noted that while the August 5, 2024 movement aimed to remove the fascist regime, it was an uprising, not a full-scale war like the armed struggle against Pakistani forces in 1971.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam echoed this view, saying the Liberation War is irreplaceable and will forever hold a unique place in Bangladesh's history.

The 13th Parliament's first session began on March 12 with President Mohammed Shahabuddin's address. The Business Advisory Committee allocated 50 hours for debate on the speech. Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam moved the motion of thanks, which was seconded by Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom highlighted what he described as a more inclusive political culture introduced by the current government, expressing hope that it would foster broader political cooperation.

During the discussion, Whip M Ruhul Quddus Dulu said the people had fought for democracy, but alleged that it was undermined after independence, citing the assassination of Siraj Sikder. He also praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, saying collaborative politics between the government and opposition could help prevent the return of authoritarianism.

Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu criticized opposition groups, particularly Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing them of misleading voters during the February 12 national election with religious promises.

Addressing the future political landscape, lawmaker Andaleeve Rahman (Bhola-1) said there is no scope for political activity that contradicts the spirit of the July uprising.

Several other lawmakers, including Abdus Salam Pintu, Mujibur Rahman Sarwar, Jainul Abedin Faruque, Md Shariful Alam, AM Mahbub Uddin, Saiful Alam Khan, Ilius Mollah, and Golam Rasul, also took part in the discussion.