Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated on Monday (October 19, 2026) that if the political opposition paves the way for the return of autocracy under the guise of opposing the government, it would amount to a betrayal of the martyrs of both the 2024 July uprising and the 1971 Liberation War. Speaking after inaugurating the 90-foot-high July Martyrs' Memorial and the renovated 23-acre Osmani Udyan in Dhaka—alongside family members of prominent martyrs including Abu Sayed, Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho, Shahriar Khan Anas, and Wasim Akram—the Prime Minister criticized opposition leaders for boycotting the commemoration event.

Stressing the need for constructive opposition, Tarique Rahman urged political parties to move away from opposition for its own sake and find common ground on fundamental national issues such as employment, public safety, healthcare, and education. He highlighted that both government and opposition derive their mandates from the people to serve the public interest and preserve democratic rights. The inauguration event was attended by senior cabinet members, including Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and LGRD Minister Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, alongside municipal administrators and top officials.