Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (Aug 5) described last year's July uprising as the culmination of 16 years of mounting public frustration, particularly among the youth, driven by widespread corruption, political repression, and systemic inequality under the previous government.
In a video address delivered to programmes organised by district administrations across the country to mark July Mass Uprising Day, Yunus reflected on the day’s historical significance and the sacrifices made during the movement.
"Today, the entire nation remembers a day that left a profound mark on our history," Yunus said. "The 5th of August is not merely a date—it is a pledge, a story of public awakening, and a day of national rebirth from the clutches of authoritarianism."
He began by paying homage to the freedom fighters of the 1971 Liberation War, recalling their sacrifice for an independent Bangladesh built on equality, dignity, and justice. “Yet, even after more than 50 years of independence,” he said, “the people remained deprived of justice and democracy, facing deep-rooted inequality.”
Yunus stated that July 2024 marked a turning point in the country's history—a moment when long-simmering resentment exploded into a mass uprising. “For 16 years, the youth of this nation faced growing despair. Despite academic achievements, they were forced to beg at the doors of the powerful for jobs. Corruption, nepotism, and influence-buying had turned public employment into a business,” he said.
He described the quota system in public service as a tool for corruption and favouritism, against which students had long protested, yet “the authoritarian regime remained unmoved.”
According to Yunus, a powerful class had entrenched itself across sectors, from government and education to the judiciary, media, and culture—serving the interests of the regime in exchange for financial and political gain. “This elite class plundered the wealth of the working people and built personal fortunes while the economy crumbled under the weight of corruption,” he said.
He recounted that during any protest over the past 16 years, ruling party-affiliated armed groups and police jointly suppressed demonstrators. Dissenters were arbitrarily arrested, disappeared, or harassed, with opposition members detained en masse.
“In this dire situation,” Yunus said, “the students, youth, and general public came together in July 2024 with a united call: ‘Fascism must go.’” He accused the former government of clinging to power through violence, firing on protesters, launching midnight raids, and attempting to conceal deaths by cutting off internet access.
“The wounded were denied hospital care,” Yunus added. “Hospitals were instructed not to admit them. As a result, many lost their eyesight or became permanently disabled due to untreated injuries.”
The Chief Adviser paid tribute to the “July martyrs” and expressed his condolences to the injured and disabled. “On behalf of the nation, I offer my deepest respect and gratitude. We will remain forever indebted.”
Yunus detailed state assistance provided so far: of 836 families of July martyrs, 775 have received savings certificates and monthly stipends amounting to Tk 984 million. The rest will receive support pending final verification.
He also noted that Tk 1.53 billion in financial aid has been distributed to 13,800 injured “July warriors,” including funding for overseas treatment of 78 critically wounded individuals in countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and Russia.
Furthermore, he announced that all public hospitals, clinics, and designated specialist hospitals will provide priority, free-of-charge treatment to injured July protesters.
The Chief Adviser stressed that while financial and institutional support is vital, the true honour to the martyrs lies in building a people-oriented nation. “Their sacrifice will only be fulfilled when we build a humane, accountable, and democratic state—free from inequality,” he said.
He concluded the address with a solemn vow: “We are not here merely to remember the past. We are here to take an oath: we will never bow to oppression. The dreams of our martyrs will guide us in shaping the future of Bangladesh.”
SMS/
