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