United News of Bangladesh

Unveiling the ‘July Declaration’, a crucial political document, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said the people of Bangladesh expressed their expectations to protect the rights of the present and the future generations through an environmental friendly, climate resilient, sustainable and inclusive development strategy. “Therefore, the people of Bangladesh express their desire that the student-people uprising of 2024 will get proper state and constitutional recognition and that the July Declaration will feature in the schedule of the reformed constitution as framed by the government formed through the next national election,” he said while reading out the 28-point July Declaration. Prof Yunus said the document of the declaration is written to reflect the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh at the event of the victory in the mass uprising of August 5, 2024. Finalised by the interim government, Prof Yunus started reading it out at 5:21 pm in presence of all political parties. Top leaders from the major political parties, including BNP, Jamaat and National Citizen Party (NCP), joined the event at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP standing committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is Professor Mia Golam Parwar, NCP convener Nahid Islam and representatives from other political parties were present.   The programme began with the playing of the national anthem.  A video documentary was also screened. Prof Yunus starts reading out ‘July Declaration’ The rest of the text of ‘July Declaration’ is given below 1. Whereas, in continuation of the historical struggle against colonialism, the people of this land rose against the deprivation and exploitation inflicted by the authoritarian Pakistani regime, and established the state of Bangladesh through a bloody liberation war following the Declaration of Independence made on 26 March, 1971 for achieving freedom; And 2. Whereas, the people of Bangladesh made utmost sacrifice through a long struggle to materialise a liberal democratic state in this land based on equality, human dignity and social justice as proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence; And 3. Whereas, the post-independence Awami League government failed to materialise the people’s aspirations because of the weaknesses in the procedures of drafting and in the structure of the constitution along with its inappropriate application; And 4. Whereas, the post-independence Awami League government established constitutionally a one-party government named BAKSAL in place of a democratic order, the much aspired goal of independence, and thereby took away the freedom of expression and of the judiciary, in reaction to which, on November 7, 1975, there was an uprising in the army ranks and file joined by common people, and later the way was laid for reintroducing multi-party democracy, freedom of expression and of the freedom of judiciary in place of the BAKSAL system. And 5. Whereas, in the 1980s, there was a long nine-year relentless struggle against an autocratic military regime resulting in the mass uprising of 1990, and a parliamentary democratic system was reestablished in 1991; And 6. Whereas, the democratic way of regime change was disrupted through domestic and external intrigues, thus laying the way in Bangladesh for the paramount power, domination and fascism of Sheikh Hasina through the conspiratorial arrangement of so-called 1/11; And 7. Whereas, illicit and undemocratic changes were made in the constitution, driven by extremely fierce desire to establish a one-party state along with a fascist, undemocratic and anti-people governance system during the last sixteen year long period. And 8. Whereas, all state and constitutional institutions were destroyed by the last Awami League regime of Sheikh Hasina through governance malfeasance, abduction and murder, unlawful killings, suppression of freedom of speech and constitutional changes in the interest of the ruling party; And 9. Whereas, during the rule of Sheikh Hasina, under her very leadership, an extreme force that was anti-people, autocratic and against human rights turned Bangladesh into a fascist, mafia and failed state and thereby tarnished Bangladesh’s international image; And 10. Whereas, in the name of so-called development, the fallen Awami League government under the fascist leadership of Sheikh Hasina jeopardised the immense economic prospects of Bangladesh through rampant corruption, looting of banks, fund transfers abroad by money laundering, and also pursued policies adversely affecting the environment, ecology and climate;  

At least people suffered burn injuries from a gas balloon explosion at an event organised to mark the first anniversary of ‘July Mass Uprising’ in Manik Mia Avenue of Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon. The injured were identified as Mazharul Islam, 27, Billal Hossain, 45, Monsur Islam, 38, Md Fahad, 20, Mohammad Sharif, 32, Palash, 21, Mohammad Habibullah, 23, Md Yasin, 25, Mishu, 23, and Nihat, 17. Couple sustained burn injuries in gas cylinder blast in Savar They were brought to the emergency department of National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery around 3pm, where they received primary treatment and were later released. Dr Shawon Bin Rahman, a residential medical officer at the institute, said the victims suffered two to six percent burns from the balloon fire.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus started reading out the ‘July Declaration’, a crucial political document finalised by the interim government, in presence of all political parties, at 5:21 pm on Tuesday. Top leaders from the major political parties, including BNP, Jamaat and National Citizen Party (NCP), joined the event at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad. The programme began with the playing of the national anthem.  A video documentary was also screened. Meanwhile, the Chief Adviser is scheduled to address the nation at 8:20pm on the occasion of July Mass Uprising Day. His speech will be broadcast simultaneously on Bangladesh Television, BTV News and Bangladesh Betar. Prof Yunus, earlier in a video message, laid emphasis on taking the oath that they will not bow their heads to any form of oppression and will build an accountable, humane, democratic and non-discriminatory state. "[Build] a state which will always work for the public welfare," he said, highlighting his vision and noting that they have not come just to remember the past today but they have come to take an oath. No one to be allowed to ‘kill democracy’ or ‘bring back fascism’, warns Tarique   In the video message delivered during a nationwide event organised by district administrations to mark 'July Uprising Day', Prof Yunus emphasised the importance of the occasion not just as a remembrance, but as a call to action. “We have not gathered here merely to remember the past,” he said, adding, “We are here to take an oath that we will never bow our heads to any form of oppression, and we will strive to establish an accountable, humane, democratic, and non-discriminatory state." Paying tributes to those who sacrificed their lives during the July Uprising, Prof Yunus said, “We will not let the sacrifices of the July martyrs go in vain." He said their sacrifices would light their way forward. "Their dreams will shape the blueprint of our future Bangladesh. This is our solemn oath today," Prof Yunus said.

Paying tribute to the brave martyrs of the July mass uprising, Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Md Daud Ali on Tuesday called upon all to come forward collectively to build the country embodying the spirit of July. Marking the Day, he also recalled the contributions of the remittance fighters to the country's economic development and urged the remittance fighters to send more remittances through proper channel. The Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo observed the ‘July Mass Uprising Day’ with due respect at the Embassy auditorium.  A minute of silence was observed in memory of the martyrs of the July Uprising at the beginning of the event. Messages from the President and the Chief Adviser on ‘July Mass Uprising Day’ were read out, said the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo in a media release. Don’t bow heads, build a non-discriminatory state: Prof Yunus

Police arrested a local leader of Awami League from Islampur village in Mithamoin upazila of Kishoreganj district on Monday. The arrestee was identified as Omar Faruk Chowdhury, 58, member of Mithamoin Sadar Union unit AL’s Advisory Council and paternal uncle of former DB Chief Harun-or-Rashid. Alamgir Kabir, officer-in-charge of Mithamoin Police Station, said police arrested Omar from Islampur village around 8 pm on Monday. Later, he was handed over to Sadar Police Station. Omar was wanted in a case filed over the July uprising with Sadar Police Station.

Three more deaths were reported from dengue in the  past 24 hours till Tuesday morning, raising the total fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 89 this year. The deaths have been reported in Chattogram divisions (Out of CC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). During the period, 319 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, raising the number of confirmed cases to 22,384 this year. Dengue death toll reaches 83 this year According to the DGHS, new cases were reported as follows: 72 in Barishal Division (Out of CC), 49 in Chattogram Division (Out of CC), 58 in Dhaka Division (Out of CC), 27 in Dhaka North City Corporation, 62 in Dhaka South City Corporation, 36 in Khulna Division (Out of CC), 11 in Mymensingh Division and 4 in Rangpur (Out of CC). Currently, 1,259 patients are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the country. Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in the same year.  

The 41st death anniversary of Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan, also a former minister for communications and agriculture and father-in-law of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, will be observed on Wednesday. Elaborate programmes have been arranged to observe the day with due respect, both at home and abroad. The day’s programmes will begin with the placing of floral wreaths at his grave, where Quran Khatam, Quran Khawani, and special prayers will be held. His grave is beside his favourite Naval Headquarters. The Bangladesh Navy will hold doa mahfils and special prayers at all its naval bases for the peace and salvation of his departed soul. Quran Khatam, Quran Khawani, doa mahfils and special prayers will also be held at Mahbub Bhaban in the capital’s Dhanmondi area after Maghrib prayers, said a press release on Tuesday. Begum Mahbub Ali Khan has requested all to pray for the departed soul. A doa mahfil and special prayers will also be held at SUROVI, a charitable organisation for underprivileged children, established by Begum Mahbub Ali Khan. Quran Khatam, doa mahfils, and special prayers will take place in various madrasas and orphanages in Dhaka, including Jamia Qurbania Talimia Daoraye Hadis Women Madrasa and Orphanage, Baoniabad; Jamia Qurbania Arabia Madrasa and Orphanage, Bhashantek Cantonment; and Sanmandi Khan Bari Daryl Quran Hafizia Madrasa and Orphanage, Sonargaon, Narayanganj. Special prayers will also be held in at least 21 mosques in Dhaka, including the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The day will also be observed in Mahbub Ali Khan’s birthplace, Sylhet, with due solemnity. Programmes will include doa mahfils, Quran Khawani and food distribution among the needy. Special prayers and Quran Khawani will also be held at various mosques in Sylhet, Bogura, Jamalpur, as well as in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, the US, and the UK. On this day 41 years ago, Mahbub Ali Khan sacrificed his life for the suffering of humanity.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday laid emphasis on taking the oath that they will not bow their heads to any form of oppression and will build an accountable, humane, democratic and non-discriminatory state. "[Build] a state which will always work for the public welfare," he said, highlighting his vision and noting that they have not come just to remember the past today but they have come to take an oath. In a video message delivered during a nationwide event organised by district administrations to mark 'July Uprising Day', Prof Yunus emphasised the importance of the occasion not just as a remembrance, but as a call to action. “We have not gathered here merely to remember the past,” he said, adding, “We are here to take an oath that we will never bow our heads to any form of oppression, and we will strive to establish an accountable, humane, democratic, and non-discriminatory state." Paying tributes to those who sacrificed their lives during the July Uprising, Prof Yunus said, “We will not let the sacrifices of the July martyrs go in vain." He said their sacrifices would light their way forward. "Their dreams will shape the blueprint of our future Bangladesh. This is our solemn oath today," Prof Yunus said. People to enjoy August 5 as a public holiday every year: Tarique Rahman Prof Yunus said the entire nation today is remembering a day that left a lasting mark on the country's history. “August 5 is not just a special day, it is a promise, a symbol of a mass uprising, and the day our nation was reborn from fascist rule.” He paid deep respects to the brave freedom fighters of the 1971 War of Liberation, whose sacrifices secured an independent and sovereign Bangladesh. In 1971, the people of this country struggled to establish equality, human dignity and social justice. "That struggle gave birth to an independent state at the cost of millions of lives,” Prof Yunus said. However, even after more than five decades of independence, the Chief Adviser said the people of Bangladesh continue to face injustice and the denial of democracy, enduring widespread discrimination. He referred to the turbulent events of July 2024 as a critical turning point in Bangladesh’s history, an outpouring of frustration accumulated over 15 long years. Prof Yunus highlighted the despair experienced by the youth of the country, who, despite achieving academic success, have been forced to seek employment by pleading with those in power. “A corrupt system built on bribery, nepotism, and lobbying has taken hold of the job market,” he said. Young people who lacked the means to pay bribes or the connections to curry favor with local mafias were denied jobs, he added. Prof Yunus criticised the discriminatory quota system in government jobs, calling it another tool of corruption and favoritism. “For years, young people protested against it, but the fascist rulers refused to listen,” he said. Prof Yunus condemned the regime for enriching itself by looting the hard-earned money of ordinary citizens, claiming that unchecked corruption has brought the economy to the brink of collapse. He said over the past 15 years, anyone who criticised the government or advocated for citizens' rights was at risk of arrest or forced disappearance. “Millions of opposition leaders and activists have been arbitrarily detained,” he said. In this dire situation, the students, youth, and the general public rose together with hope for a new dawn, Prof Yunus said, adding that they spoke with one voice: this time, fascism must end. Prof Yunus accused the past regime of trying to cling to power by violently suppressing dissent. “They fired on peaceful protesters, shut down the internet to conceal the truth, raided neighborhoods at night, and detained students,” he said. He also said injured protesters were denied medical treatment, with hospitals reportedly instructed not to admit them. “As a result, many have been left blind or paralysed without receiving proper care,” he said. Marking the July Uprising Day, Prof Yunus remembered the martyrs of July. “I pray for the peace of their souls. On behalf of the nation, I express deep respect and gratitude to those who were injured, paralyzed, or lost their sight. This nation will remain forever indebted to you,” he said. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus to address nation tonight  

- BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday unequivocally said no one will be allowed to ‘murder democracy’ or ‘bring back fascism’ again in Bangladesh. “An unprecedented national unity against fascism has been formed on the blood-stained streets through the sacrifices of our thousands of martyrs. Fascism will never return to Bangladesh. No one will get the chance to abolish democracy,” he said in a video message to the nation, marking the anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. The BNP leader also said no one will ever be allowed to turn the country into a subservient state again. “I believe this unity on these important issues still exists, and it will continue.” Tarique called on the people of the country to observe August 5th every year as a day of commitment to democracy, good governance, and humanity. “Let every August 5 become a day to renew our pledge to uphold democracy and human values. In this long journey to fulfill that pledge, I and my party, the BNP, seek the support and cooperation of all democracy-loving people,” he said. In a fascism-free Bangladesh, Tarique said it is natural for political parties to have differences based on their own views and goals. Such differences are not a problem, but part of the beauty of democracy, he said. “But I humbly urge all political parties and democratic forces to remain alert so that our disagreements do not allow fascism, extremism, or radicalism to rise again,” he said. Tarique said every political party should go to the people with its own programmes and goals. “People will decide what they accept or reject. This is how the state should give power to its citizens through regular democratic practices.” He said the true power of people will only be established when citizens can freely elect their representatives -- from local bodies to the national parliament -- and gain the ability to form or change governments by voting. “Let us work to politically empower the people by giving them opportunities to practice their democratic and political rights -- whether it’s in running the state, the government, the administration, or in daily life. If we fail to make the people strong, then nothing else will be strong or lasting,” the BNP leader said. Tarique said just after the most hated fascist fled on August 5, 2024 -- one of the darkest days in the country's history -- he sent a message to the brave people, saying that a victory becomes meaningful only when the defeated are kept safe. Recalling that message again, he urged democracy-loving people not to take the law into their own hands, not to encourage mob violence, not to act violently towards women, and to always respect the freedoms of others. July Declaration to be unveiled at Manik Mia Avenue today The BNP leader said his party wants to build the kind of Bangladesh that a mother dreams of where no matter which party, religion, or race someone belongs to and whether one is a believer, non-believer, or unsure, every child and every person can live together safely. The BNP leader said defending those fascist forces that have damaged the country are never acceptable. “There is no comparison to the fascist rule of the past fifteen years, except maybe the three and a half years after independence. So, I humbly urge everyone, not even Hitler’s Nazism is remembered with pride. Just like a robber who gives a part of the stolen money to charity is still called a robber, in the same way, while criticising the interim government, trying to defend the fugitive fascists in clever ways is also unacceptable,” he said. Tarique reminded those who try to compare the fascist regime with the current interim government that what happened on August 5 in Bangladesh are not only unprecedented in the country's history but also rare in world history. On that day, he said, the fascists ran away from Ganobhaban, so-called MPs fled leaving the parliament building, the Chief Justice left the court, the Chief Khatib fled Baitul Mukarram Mosque and the ministers deserted the cabinet. “The fascists’ allies went into hiding. But what is worrying is that even now, there is no sign of regret or apology from the fugitive fascists,” said the BNP leader. Tarique said 1971 was the year of the war to win independence, and 2024 was the war to protect that independence. He said Bangladesh has not forgotten the martyred freedom fighters of 1971, and it will not forget the martyrs of the mass uprising of 2024. Fakhrul-led BNP delegation to join July Declaration programme “From 1971 till today, at every turn in history, lakhs of people have sacrificed their lives to win and protect the country’s freedom, to fight against dictatorship and fascism, and to restore democracy. On this day, I again pay deep respect to all martyrs and pray to Allah for the quick recovery of those who were injured,” said the BNP leader. He said the martyrs, who laid down their lives for the freedom and rights of people and the country, have left the nation deeply indebted. “Now it is our turn to repay the debt to the martyrs and their families. We can do that only by making sure people get political and economic power, by ensuring equality, dignity, and social justice, and by building a democratic, just, and humane Bangladesh,” Tarique said. He said the people of Bangladesh will enjoy the 5th August, a public holiday every year as ‘Mass Uprising Day’, celebrating what he called the end of fascist rule in Bangladesh. “Exactly one year ago from today, on this day in 2024, fascist Hasina fled the country. The nation was freed from the grip of a monster. For the freedom-loving, democracy-loving people, this day is one of joys and victories. The interim government has declared this day as 'July Mass Uprising Day'. From now on, people will enjoy this day every year as a public holiday,” Tarique said. He said a fugitive autocrat had established a reign of terror in the 21st-century in Bangladesh where enforced disappearances, killings, abductions, attacks, false cases, torture and oppression became common and normal part of life. During the movement against this fascism, which lasted for more than fifteen years, Tarique said lakhs of leaders and activists from BNP and other pro-democracy parties were made to suffer terribly by turning the country a hell. Let’s not engage in mudslinging, rather work together to rebuild democracy: Fakhrul “Due to hundreds of false cases, millions of opposition leaders and supporters were forced to leave their homes. Many even lost their family ties,” he said. Tarique also said secret detention centres, known as ‘Aynaghar’, were built to silence dissent. “Many people were locked up in dark rooms for years. Some, like former MP Ilias Ali and Commissioner Chowdhury Alam, are still missing.” He accused the Awami fascist regime of destroying key national institutions like the judiciary and the Election Commission, rigging elections and undermining the constitution. The BNP leader also blamed the Sheikh Hasina regime for ruining the economy, looting the banking sector and siphoning off nearly Tk 28 lakh crore abroad from the country. Tarique praised the people’s courage during the uprising in July and August 2024, saying, “People from all walks of life—students, workers, farmers, journalists, women, even mothers—joined the streets to fight for democracy. The regime used helicopters to shoot at protesters. Many children and young people lost their lives.” He said more than 1,500 people were killed and at least 30,000 were injured in the uprising while hundreds became permanently disabled or lost their eyesight. The BNP leader said the sacrifices of these brave people have united the nation against fascism.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday unveiled a commemorative postage stamp, inaugural envelope and seal on the occasion of ‘July Uprising Day 2025’. He released the postage stamp, inaugural envelope and seal at the State Guest House Jamuna, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus to address nation tonight Education Adviser CR Abrar, Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, Industries and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb were, among others,present.