Dhaka, Jan 24 (V7N) — Chief Advisor to the Interim Government Dr. Muhammad Yunus has said that the 1969 Mass Uprising is a significant chapter in the history of Bangladesh’s struggle for freedom and independence.

He made the remarks in a message issued on Friday on the occasion of ‘1969 Mass Uprising Day,’ observed on Saturday (January 24).

Dr. Yunus said that Bangladesh achieved independence through a series of historic movements, including the Language Movement of 1952, the Six-Point Movement, the Eleven-Point Movement, and finally the 1969 Mass Uprising, which paved the way for the Liberation War.

He noted that January 1969 was a turbulent period marked by widespread resistance against the then dictatorial misrule and oppression. With spontaneous participation from students and people of all walks of life, the movement reached a decisive turning point on January 24.

“The struggling masses broke curfew and brought out processions protesting the oppression of the ruling class,” he said.

Dr. Yunus recalled that Matiur Rahman Mallick, a ninth-grade student of Dhaka’s Nabakumar Institute, was martyred in police firing during the procession. He also mentioned Maqbul, Anwar, Rustam, Milon, Alamgir, and many others who were killed during the movement.

He said that the sacrifices of these martyrs in democratic movements and struggles — including the July Uprising — have continued to provide courage and inspiration to the youth of the country.

On this day of remembrance, Dr. Yunus paid deep respect to all the martyrs of the uprising and called on the nation to dedicate itself to building a truly democratic social system by upholding the values of the 1969 Mass Uprising.

In his message, the Chief Advisor also prayed for the forgiveness of the souls of all martyrs of Bangladesh’s liberation struggle.

END/SMA/AJ