Yunus pays tribute to July Uprising martyrs, calls for renewed national unity

Nobel laureate and former chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today paid tribute to the martyrs of the July Uprising and called for renewed national unity, saying the spirit of the movement should continue to guide Bangladesh's democratic, economic and social aspirations.

In a statement marking July Uprising Day, Yunus said July remained "a defining chapter in the struggle for the rights of the people, justice, and democratic aspirations".

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"July stands as a defining chapter in the struggle for the rights of the people, justice, and democratic aspirations. In our collective memory, July is a long month, 36 days long. It reminds us of the extraordinary unity and strength with which this nation stood together against injustice," he said.

He paid his "deepest respects" to those who were killed during the uprising and expressed "profound gratitude" to those who were injured, lost their eyesight, or were left permanently disabled.

Yunus said the July uprising belonged to people from all walks of life, including students from schools, colleges, madrasas and universities, as well as teachers and parents who stood beside them.

He also acknowledged the contributions of journalists, photojournalists and bystanders who risked their lives to document the events, along with politicians, civil society members, writers, artists and cultural figures who supported the movement.

He said rickshaw pullers, workers, professionals and doctors also played important roles during what he described as a war-like situation, while Bangladeshis living abroad supported the movement from overseas.

Yunus said the courage shown by women during the uprising would continue to inspire future generations, while the leadership of student leaders would remain a source of inspiration for young people.

"The July Mass Uprising taught us that when people from every walk of life stand united, they have the power to transform even the most entrenched and seemingly unassailable systems," he said.

"May we never lose the spirit of unity that defined July. May that unity be renewed and strengthened this July. On this day, let us reaffirm our hope that, as a united nation, we will continue to advance our democratic, economic, and social aspirations."