Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has urged all the citizens to unite in building a new Bangladesh, inspired by the legacy of the July martyrs who dreamt of a nation free from discrimination, corruption and autocracy.
"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," he said in a message marking July Martyrs' Day, being observed on Wednesday (16 July) for the first time across the country.
To commemorate the occasion, the government has declared a day of state mourning through a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Tuesday.
Reflecting on the day's significance, Yunus said, "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 a pivotal 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," Yunus said.
"The sacrifice of these fearless individuals energised the movement and gave it powerful momentum," he added.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said that as public outrage grew, lakhs of students, workers, and citizens poured into the streets, and each martyr only strengthened the determination of the protesters.
Yunus said the anti-quota movement eventually transformed into a full-blown anti-government uprising, and the then-ruling dictator fled the country.
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 said.
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.
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 Tk30 lakh compensation along with a monthly allowance.
Support is also being extended to those injured in the movement.
Yunus offered prayers for the eternal peace of those who gave their lives in the July uprising.
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