Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called on 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.

"With renewed determination, we will move forward together on the path of a new Bangladesh, guided by the spirit of July. This is our pledge today," he said in a message marking July Martyrs’ Day, being observed today for the first time across the country.

To commemorate the occasion, the government has declared a day of state mourning. 

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.

Special prayers are being held in mosques across the country for the forgiveness of the martyrs, while religious institutions of other faiths are also organising prayers for the peace of their souls.

The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Tuesday.

Reflecting on the day’s significance, Prof 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 July 16, 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. 

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At least six people were martyred in Chattogram, Rangpur and Dhaka in police shootings and attacks by armed groups during the protests, Prof Yunus said.

“The sacrifice of these fearless individuals energised the movement and gave it powerful momentum,” he said. 

As public outrage grew, so did participation, 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.

Prof Yunus said the anti-quota movement eventually transformed into a full-blown anti-government uprising and the then ruling dictator fled the country. 

In return for the blood of martyrs, a new dawn of freedom broke over the nation, he said, adding that the July martyrs have etched an epic tale of heroism in history.

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.

Prof 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 Tk 30 lakh compensation along with a monthly allowance.

Support is also being extended to those injured in the movement.

Prof Yunus offered prayers for the eternal peace of those who gave their lives in the July uprising.