Dhaka, Aug 05 (V7N) – On the morning of July Uprising Day, Chief Advisor to the Interim Government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, delivered a powerful speech during a virtual event organized by the Dhaka District Administration, calling for the establishment of a truly democratic, humane, and non-discriminatory state.

In his address, Dr. Yunus highlighted the historical significance of August 5, terming it a "promise of national rebirth" and a turning point against fascist rule. He paid tribute to the martyrs and fighters of both the 1971 Liberation War and the July 2024 Movement, linking the two as battles for equality, justice, and dignity.

Key Points from Dr. Yunus’s Speech:

  • August 5 is a day of mass awakening and national rebirth, commemorating the people's fight against fascist oppression.

  • Remembrance of 1971’s war heroes and the sacrifices made for an independent Bangladesh, which remain unfulfilled due to persistent injustice and inequality.

  • Over 16 years of despair among youth, caused by:

    • Rampant corruption, nepotism, and bribery in public service recruitment.

    • A discriminatory quota system used as a tool of exploitation.

    • Unemployment due to mafia-run hiring practices favoring political loyalty over merit.

  • The rise of a privileged class in every sector, including:

    • Government administration

    • Judiciary

    • Media

    • Educational institutions

    • Law enforcement

    • Cultural circles

  • A collapsed economy, built on the looting of public wealth by what he called a "fallen fascist regime".

  • State-sponsored violence during peaceful protests, including:

    • Police brutality and abductions

    • Denial of medical care to injured protestors

    • Suppression of information through internet blackouts

  • On July 24, the youth and general public rose against repression, uniting under the slogan: “This time, the fascists must go.”

Recognition and Welfare Measures:

  • The government has taken steps to honor and support the victims of the July uprising:

    • 836 martyr families identified; 775 families have already received Tk 98.4 million in savings certificates and checks.

    • 13,800 injured July warriors received Tk 15.3 million in assistance.

    • 78 critically injured individuals were sent abroad for advanced treatment in Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and Russia.

    • A policy to provide free medical care for all injured July fighters in government hospitals is now in place.

Final Call and Oath:

Dr. Yunus ended his speech with a national call to action:

“We have not come just to remember the past. We have come to take an oath—that we will never bow to oppression. We will build a humane, accountable, democratic, and non-discriminatory state that serves the people. The sacrifices of the July martyrs will not go in vain. Their dreams will be the foundation of a new Bangladesh.”

The Chief Advisor’s speech serves as both a reflection on past struggles and a vision for a new future, centered on justice, inclusivity, and public welfare.

END/RH/AJ