Dhaka, July 16 (V7N) — President Mohammed Shahabuddin has paid profound tribute to the martyrs of the July Mass Uprising, urging the nation to remain united in building a discrimination-free, democratic, accountable and justice-based Bangladesh in line with the aspirations for which they laid down their lives.
In a message issued on Wednesday marking July Martyrs' Day, the President described the July Mass Uprising of 2024 as an eruption of public anger against years of discrimination, corruption, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, suppression of voting rights, repression and authoritarian rule.
"Today is July Martyrs' Day, a deeply significant day in the history of Bangladesh," he said. "On this solemn occasion, I remember with profound respect the extraordinary sacrifices of all the brave martyrs who gave their lives during the July Mass Uprising of 2024. I extend my deepest gratitude and homage to them."
The President also paid tribute to those who were injured during the movement, particularly young men and women who continue to endure lifelong disabilities as a result of their injuries.
He expressed heartfelt sympathy to the families of the martyrs, acknowledging their immense grief and resilience in the face of irreparable loss.
Shahabuddin further honoured all July fighters and patriotic citizens who took part in the uprising, saying the movement represented the collective outrage of the people against prolonged inequality, corruption, enforced disappearances, killings, the denial of voting rights and authoritarian oppression.
Recalling the events of July 16, he said the fatal shooting of Abu Sayeed in Rangpur, who was killed while standing with his arms outstretched, along with the deaths of several other young protesters across the country on the same day, marked a turning point in the movement and significantly intensified the protests.
He noted that the subsequent arrests, imprisonment and repression of public university students, followed by the active participation of students from private educational institutions and people from all walks of life, transformed the protests into a full-scale mass uprising.
"The July Mass Uprising was not the achievement of any individual, political party or group alone," the President said. "It was the result of the collective aspirations, courage and sacrifices of people committed to democracy."
He said the sacrifices of the July martyrs serve as a reminder that the people are the ultimate source of state power and sovereignty, and that ensuring citizens' fundamental rights, dignity, interests and justice remains the state's foremost responsibility.
According to the President, the spirit of July continues to inspire the nation to establish a humane, authoritarianism-free, equitable and corruption-free state.
Shahabuddin said the democratic government remains committed to ensuring due recognition for the July martyrs and injured protesters, providing welfare support to their families, rehabilitating the injured and ensuring fair justice in the killings related to the uprising.
He also called on affluent individuals, institutions and humanitarian organisations to work alongside the government in supporting these efforts.
Concluding his message, the President urged people from all political parties, opinions and backgrounds to unite in building the Bangladesh envisioned by the July martyrs—a nation founded on equality, democracy, accountability, justice and harmony.
He also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls of all those who lost their lives during the July Mass Uprising and wished success for all programmes marking July Martyrs' Day.
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