(BSS) - BNP National Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain today warned that any attempt by a political party to claim the achievements of the July Uprising for itself would fail.

The movement was a collective effort that involved BNP leaders, activists, and people from all walks of life, he said.

Dr. Zahid made the remarks while speaking at a winter clothes distribution program for poor and orphaned students, organized by the Hakimpur Upazila and Municipality BNP units this noon.

"If anyone tries to monopolize the achievements of the July uprising, it will not succeed. BNP leaders and activists played an active role at all levels, and the people of the country stand with them," he said.

"People from all classes, professions, political leaders, and activists participated in this mass uprising. The dictatorship fled the country on 36th July (5th August), and that was a victory for all," he added.

Dr. Zahid paid tribute to everyone involved in the movement, saying, "We respect and salute all those who played their due role. It was everyone`s movement and everyone`s victory."

Referring to the punishment of the ousted dictatorship, he said the brutal acts committed during their rule, including disappearances and murders, would be judged. He also stressed that those who misappropriated public funds must return the money for the country`s development.

The winter clothes distribution ceremony was chaired by Hakimpur Upazila BNP President Ferdous Rahman.

District BNP President Advocate Md Mofazzal Hossain Dulal, Adviser Akram Hossain, Upazila BNP General Secretary Sakhawat Hossain Shilpi, Municipality BNP President Md Farid Khan, and General Secretary Nazmul Haque were also present.