Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal on Wednesday warned that fascism could return if justice for the July victims remained unfinished, expressing concern over what he described as attempts by fascist forces to stage a comeback before the wounds of the uprising had healed.
“I am expressing my highest level of dismay. The bloodstains have yet to dry. Only in July-August, 1,400 mothers lost their children. Their cries have not yet faded. The trial has not been completed, yet the fascists are sending signals. We should be ashamed,” he added.
He was speaking at a mock parliament titled 'Youth Manifesto', organised by IID at Bangla Academy in the capital.
Calling on young people to take a more active role in shaping the country, Kayser Kamal said they are the ones capable of bringing about meaningful change.
“I would urge you: let us start a new era in our country. If we cannot make a meaningful impact, fascism may return. Look, it is already peeping from India,” he said.
Questioning why young people are now staying at home, he recalled that they had taken to the streets voluntarily during the anti-fascist movement, without responding to the call of any particular political party.
They had faced bullets to protect the motherland, restore democracy, establish voting rights and the rule of law, and secure constitutional rights, he said.
“It is unfortunate if you now fold your hands and retreat into your homes. We have to be united,” he said.
He alleged that acts of terrorism are taking place in Bangladesh at the direction of forces from a neighbouring country, while the bloodstains on streets in Dhaka and elsewhere had yet to dry and the tears of the 1,400 bereaved mothers had not ceased.
The deputy speaker urged young people to ensure meaningful participation in rebuilding society and establishing a democratic political culture.
He said the country's politics would not be free from criminalisation unless educated, compassionate people committed to public service and social welfare became actively involved.
Expressing concern over divisions that had emerged after what he called the country's “second independence”, Kayser Kamal said constructive criticism was necessary, but all should work together in the interests of democracy and the country.
“Unfortunately, the unity that was forged during the 2024 student-people's uprising is not being maintained, or at least it does not appear to be maintained,” he said, urging young people to create a meaningful impact and help take the country towards democratic governance.
He also criticised what he described as self-centred tendencies among some politicians, saying many worked to establish their own parties, personal stature or families rather than prioritising the country.