Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called on the nation to transform the month of July into a month of mass awakening and national unity.
Speaking at the inauguration of a month-long programme commemorating the July Uprising at his Tejgaon office in Dhaka on Tuesday, Yunus said, “The road ahead is difficult, but full of immense possibility. History bears witness – when the people rise, no force can hold them back. With that conviction, I urge you all – let us make this July the month of people’s awakening and unity.”
Recalling the mass student-led uprising of July–August that sparked widespread public mobilisation, Yunus described the occasion as “a moment of historical pride.”
“A year ago, in this very month, our students initiated a movement that transformed into an unprecedented mass uprising and gave us a taste of liberation,” he said. “July became a clarion call in the fight to restore democracy – an awakening of the people. Its central message was: ‘Abolish fascism, build a new Bangladesh, and return the state to the people.’”
Highlighting the significance of the July uprising, the chief adviser said, “This observance is not merely symbolic or emotional. It is not just about expressing anger or nostalgia. Sixteen years after our last major revolt, we declared a new uprising and achieved our immediate goal. But behind it stood a far greater dream: To rebuild the state, to shape a new Bangladesh.”
Yunus stressed that July must be marked each year to ensure that future uprisings are not necessary. “We must never again wait 16 years to stand up against tyranny. We should be able to extinguish authoritarianism before it takes root – before it even opens its first page.”
Paying tribute to the so-called “warriors of July” – those who took to the streets during the uprising – he said, “Today, I remember with deep respect the young men and women, the elderly and children, the farmers, workers, teachers, and rickshaw-pullers who lifted the flag of democracy with courage, sacrifice, and unshakable resolve.”
Calling for unity, Yunus added, “This programme is not just a commemoration – it is a renewed pledge. We want to reinforce the spirit of solidarity that united people of all classes, professions, and ages last July.”
He further said, “The aim of this movement is to raise awareness about people’s democratic rights, demand political accountability, and ensure that the reforms achieved through blood and sacrifice are not lost.”
Urging continued vigilance against autocracy, Yunus declared, “Through this series of events, we will relive every day of last year’s July uprising. We will reaffirm the ideals for which our students, people, and workers gave their lives and limbs. And we will do this every year – so that tyranny can never rise again.”
He concluded his speech by inviting all citizens to participate in the July programmes with renewed enthusiasm and commitment.