CA Yunus urges unity to build 'new Bangladesh' on first July Martyrs' Day
The national flag is being flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous, and educational institutions, as well as at all public and private buildings and Bangladesh missions abroad
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has urged all citizens to unite in building a "new Bangladesh" inspired by the ideals of the July martyrs who dreamt of a nation free from discrimination, corruption, and autocracy.
He made the call in a message marking July Martyrs' Day, observed today (16 July) for the first time nationwide.
The day commemorates the martyrdom of Shaheed Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, who was shot dead by police in Rangpur during the July Uprising on 16 July last year.
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"With renewed determination, we will move forward together on the path to a new Bangladesh, guided by the spirit of July. This is our pledge today," the chief adviser said.
Reflecting on the day's significance, CA Yunus said, "On this day, I remember with deep respect all those who laid down their lives in the July mass uprising to free the nation from the chains of tyranny."
He described 16 July 2024 as an important point in the country's history, when students, workers, and ordinary citizens joined hands in protest against the discriminatory quota system.
At least six people were martyred in Chattogram, Rangpur, and Dhaka in police shootings and attacks by armed groups during the protests, CA Yunus said.
"The sacrifice of these fearless individuals energised the movement and gave it powerful momentum," he said.
As part of the observance, the national flag was flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous and educational institutions, as well as at all government and non-government buildings and Bangladesh missions abroad.
Special prayers were offered at all mosques and other places of worship across the country.
The Islamic Foundation hosted a special prayer session at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 1:30pm yesterday.
The Chief Adviser said lakhs of students, workers, and citizens took to the streets, and the rising number of martyrs only strengthened the resolve of the protesters.
To honour their memory and support their families, the interim government has launched a number of welfare initiatives, he said.
These include the establishment of the July Mass Uprising Directorate and the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, which are tasked with preserving the history and supporting the families of martyrs and injured protesters.
CA Yunus also announced that a comprehensive list of July martyrs is being compiled and will be officially published in a government gazette.
Each martyr's family is receiving a Tk30 lakh compensation along with a monthly allowance.
Support is also being extended to those injured in the movement.
