Dhaka, Mar 25 (V7N) – Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the Interim Government, has emphasized the need to establish a just society in Bangladesh, in line with the goals of the 1971 War of Independence.

Speaking at the Swadhinata Padak (Independence Medal) 2025 award ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Tuesday, Dr. Yunus said that despite achieving independence, Bangladesh has not yet realized the ideals of a just society. He lamented that, instead of ensuring the rule of law, human rights, and equality, the country had suffered from fascist rule, electoral fraud, looting, and violence over the years.

At the event, seven distinguished individuals were honored with the 2025 Independence Medal for their outstanding contributions at the national level. Dr. Yunus presented the awards to the recipients or their relatives, who expressed their gratitude.

However, Dr. Badruddin Mohammad Umar, the only living awardee this year, declined to accept the honor, a decision that the government has officially respected.

In his speech, Dr. Yunus paid tribute to the martyrs of March 25, 1971, remembering the victims of Operation Searchlight, the brutal military crackdown by Pakistani forces. He acknowledged the contributions of all who fought for the country's liberation.

He also linked the 2024 student movement to the spirit of the Liberation War, stating that it had created an opportunity to establish a just Bangladesh. He highlighted that the movement was inspired by the ideals of Abrar Fahad, a student whose tragic death became a symbol of protest against injustice.

Dr. Yunus further announced that in the future, the government would take steps to ensure that the country's highest civilian honor is awarded to living individuals, rather than being granted posthumously.

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