Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged the country’s citizens to observe the July Uprising annually to prevent the resurgence of autocracy. “We will observe this (July Uprising) every year so that we do not have to wait 16 years for another uprising again. We will do this every year so that we can destroy it immediately if there is any sign of dictatorship,” he stated during the inauguration of a month-long program at his office, commemorating the July Uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Yunus emphasized the importance of early intervention against any signs of dictatorship, stressing that the annual observance would ensure vigilance. He recalled the significance of the previous year’s movement, which began in July and provided the people with a sense of freedom through an unprecedented mass uprising.
The Chief Adviser highlighted the July Uprising as a pivotal moment in the struggle to restore democracy in the country, describing it as an unforgettable call to action. Prof Yunus articulated the movement’s core message: “Build a new Bangladesh by eliminating fascism, return the state to the hands of the people.”
Prof Yunus pointed out that the immediate aims of the uprising were achieved, but a larger vision remained to reconstruct a new state system and build a new Bangladesh. During his speech, he paid tribute to those who courageously took to the streets, holding the flag of democracy high, and becoming symbols of courage, sacrifice, and determination.
He explained that the month-long program beginning today is not merely a remembrance but a renewed commitment. “We want the unity that was created among people of all classes, professions, and ages of this country in July last year to be consolidated again this July,” he said, stressing the program’s goal of raising awareness about democratic rights and demanding political accountability.
Prof Yunus acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic about the potential for change. “History testifies that when the people wake up, no force can resist them,” he noted, calling for July to become a month of mass awakening and unity.
The Chief Adviser reiterated the importance of the program, which will run through July and August, as a means to honor the sacrifices of young students, commoners, rickshaw pullers, and workers who were martyred and injured. He emphasized the need for an annual commitment to ensure that dictatorship cannot resurface.
During the inauguration, Prof Yunus unveiled the QR code of the program and handed over scholarship cheques to three National University students. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Education Adviser CR Abrar also addressed the gathering.