Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called on all citizens to unite in building a new Bangladesh, inspired by the ideals of the July martyrs who dreamt of a nation free from discrimination, corruption and autocracy.
In a message marking the July Martyrs’ Day which is being observed on Wednesday, he said, “With renewed determination, we will move forward together on the path of a new Bangladesh, guided by the spirit of July. This is our pledge today.”
To commemorate the occasion, the government has declared a day of state mourning; the national flag will be flown at half-mast in all offices, government or otherwise, educational institutions, and public and private buildings all across the nation, as well as Bangladesh missions abroad, says UNB.
Religious institutions of all faiths are organising prayers for those who tragically departed during last year’s July Movement.
The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Tuesday.
Reflecting on the day’s significance, Yunus stated, “On this day, I remember with deep respect all those who laid down their lives in the July mass uprising to free the nation from the chains of tyranny.”
He described July 16, 2024, as an important point in the country’s history, when students, workers and ordinary citizens joined hands in protest against the discriminatory quota system.
At least six people were martyred in Chattogram, Rangpur and Dhaka in police shootings and attacks by armed groups during the protests on this day last year. “The sacrifice of these fearless individuals energised the movement and gave it powerful momentum,” he commented.
The Chief Adviser recounts the events that transpired during the Anti-Discrimination Student Protests. As public outrage grew, so did participation, and lakhs of students, workers, and citizens took to the streets, with the rising number of martyrs only strengthened the resolve of the protesters, which eventually transformed into a full-blown anti-government uprising.
In return for the blood of martyrs, a new dawn of freedom broke over the nation, he said, adding that the July martyrs have etched an epic tale of heroism in history.
To honour their memory and support their families, the interim government has launched a number of welfare initiatives, he added.
These include the establishment of the July Mass Uprising Directorate and the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, which are tasked with preserving the history and supporting the families of martyrs and injured protesters.
Muhammad Yunus also announced that a comprehensive list of July martyrs is being compiled and will be officially published in a government gazette.
Each martyr’s family is receiving a Tk 30 lakh compensation along with a monthly allowance. Support is also being extended to those injured in the movement.
He offered prayers for the eternal peace of those who gave their lives in the July uprising.