Dhaka, July 15 (V7N) – Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has urged the nation to unite in building a new Bangladesh, inspired by the sacrifices of the July martyrs. In a message issued on the eve of ‘July Martyrs’ Day’, he emphasized the need to carry forward the spirit of the mass uprising that shook the nation exactly one year ago.

“The July martyrs dreamed of a new state system free from discrimination, corruption, and tyranny,” said Dr. Yunus. “They wrote a heroic epic through their sacrifice, and it is our duty to transform that dream into reality.”

Remembering the Day of Sacrifice

On July 16, 2024, students protesting against discriminatory quotas were met with brutal force, including terrorist attacks and police firing in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Rangpur. At least six protesters lost their lives on that day, igniting a wave of mass demonstrations that soon turned into a full-fledged anti-government uprising.

As the movement gained momentum, students, workers, and citizens across Bangladesh joined the protest. The uprising eventually led to the fall of a dictatorship, marking what the Chief Advisor described as a “new dawn of liberation bought with the blood of thousands.”

Honoring the Martyrs

Dr. Yunus announced that the interim government has taken several steps to honor the martyrs and support their families:

  • Formation of the ‘July Mass Uprising Directorate’ and the ‘July Martyrs Memorial Foundation’

  • Ongoing work to publish an official gazette listing all July martyrs

  • One-time compensation of 30 lakh taka and monthly allowances for the families of each martyr

“We will never forget their sacrifice. Their dream of justice and equality is now our national responsibility,” he added.

State Mourning to Be Observed on July 16

The government has declared Wednesday (July 16) as a day of state mourning to commemorate ‘July Martyrs’ Day’. A circular issued by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid confirmed the observance:

  • National flags will fly at half-mast across all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private institutions, including Bangladesh missions abroad

  • Special prayers will be held in mosques and other places of worship for the souls of the martyrs

The Chief Advisor concluded by calling on all citizens, regardless of political views, to join hands in creating a just, inclusive, and democratic Bangladesh, in honor of those who laid down their lives for the nation’s future.

END/RH/AJ