Bangla Press Desk: Nobel Laureate and former Chief Adviser of the immediate past interim government Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the July Mass Uprising, saying the movement remains a defining chapter in Bangladesh's struggle for justice, people's rights and democratic aspirations.
“July stands as a defining chapter in the struggle for the rights of the people, justice, and democratic aspirations. In our collective memory, July is a long month, 36 days long. It reminds us of the extraordinary unity and strength with which this nation stood together against injustice,” he said in a statement issued on the eve of July Mass Uprising Day.
Prof Yunus paid his deepest respects to the martyrs who lost their lives during the uprising. “I also express my profound gratitude to those who were injured, lost their eyesight, or were left permanently disabled in the struggle.”
He said July belongs to everyone, to people from every walk of life and every profession. “It belongs to the students of schools, colleges, madrasas, and public, private, and national universities who took to the streets. It belongs to the teachers and parents who stood beside them.”
The former interim government chief said July belongs to journalists, photojournalists, and bystanders who risked their lives to bring the truth to the world.
He said politicians, members of civil society, writers, artists, and cultural figures lent their voices and creativity to strengthen the uprising, while rickshaw pullers, workers, and professionals all joined the movement in their own ways. “Doctors worked under extreme risk in what had become a war-like situation to save the lives of the injured. Bangladeshis living abroad extended their support from across the world and actively participated in the movement.”
Prof Yunus said the extraordinary courage shown by women in July will continue to inspire generations of women in the country and strengthen young people. “The unparalleled leadership provided by the student leaders will inspire future generations of young people in Bangladesh.”
“The July Mass Uprising taught us that when people from every walk of life stand united, they have the power to transform even the most entrenched and seemingly unassailable systems. May we never lose the spirit of unity that defined July. May that unity be renewed and strengthened this July. On this day, let us reaffirm our hope that, as a united nation, we will continue to advance our democratic, economic, and social aspirations,” he said.
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