Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called on the people of Bangladesh to observe the July Uprising every year as a means to resist the reemergence of autocratic rule and uphold democratic values in the country.
Speaking at the inauguration of a month-long programme commemorating the historic uprising, Prof Yunus emphasized the need for annual observance to ensure that dictatorship is identified and dismantled before it gains ground.
“We will observe this every year so that we do not have to wait 16 years for another uprising,” he said. “We want to destroy any sign of dictatorship before it even shows its first leaf.”
The Chief Adviser hailed the July Uprising as a defining moment in the nation’s history, describing it as an “unforgettable call” and “the awakening of the people in the struggle to restore democracy.”
He recalled how the student-led movement from last year inspired a massive public uprising, which ultimately helped reclaim democratic rights for the people.
He said that while the immediate goal of the uprising was achieved, the broader dream remains to “reconstruct a new state system and build a new Bangladesh.”
“This is not just about emotions or expressing anger,” Yunus remarked. “This is a renewed commitment to democratic reform and public accountability. The unity that emerged last July must be reinforced.”
He urged citizens to use this annual observance to promote awareness of democratic rights, push for political accountability, and defend the reforms achieved at the cost of bloodshed.
“The road ahead is difficult, but it is full of promise,” he added. “History shows us that when people rise, no force can stop them. That belief must fuel our movement forward.”
The Chief Adviser also remembered those who made sacrifices during the uprising, including students, workers, and ordinary citizens, many of whom were injured or killed in the struggle.
As part of the launch event, Prof Yunus unveiled the programme’s QR code and distributed scholarship cheques to three students from the National University.
He was joined by Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Education Adviser CR Abrar, who also spoke at the ceremony.
The month-long programme, running through July and August, will commemorate each day of last year’s movement and reinforce the goals of a democratic, reformed Bangladesh.
