United News of Bangladesh

President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram on Wednesday urged the nation to uphold the spirit of the July Mass Uprising, saying it should remain a guiding force in fulfilling the people's aspirations. "We must not lose July. We must carry the spirit of July in our hearts and transform the hopes and expectations of the people into reality. Let this be our pledge today," he said. The President made the remarks while addressing, as chief guest, an award-giving ceremony and discussion organised by the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat marking July Mass Uprising Day 2026. He also distributed prizes among the winners of essay and painting competitions. Acting Speaker Barrister Kaysar Kamal chaired the programme. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Chief Whip of Parliament Md Nurul Islam, Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman and Opposition Chief Whip Md Nahid Islam addressed the event as special guests, while Jatiya Sangsad Secretary Barrister Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan delivered the welcome speech. The President said the end of what he described as authoritarian rule came after 16 years of relentless struggle and sacrifice by countless people, including political activists who risked their lives in pro-democracy movements. He described the development as "a glorious chapter" in the nation's history that Bangladeshis would remember with pride for generations. Referring to an earlier programme he attended during the day, the President recounted meeting a young man who lost his eyesight during the July Mass Uprising. "I witnessed a heartbreaking scene where a mother led her blind son onto the stage. He lost both of his eyes during the July movement," he said, adding that ensuring justice for those who lost their lives or suffered permanent injuries during the uprising remains one of the foremost responsibilities of Parliament and the current government. He stressed that such responsibility is not short-term but a long-term national commitment. Acting Speaker Barrister Kaysar Kamal said August 5 had earned a place in the country's history alongside March 26 and December 16 as a day of pride and victory. He said while the victories of March 26 and December 16 were achieved against foreign occupation forces, the events of August 5 represented the defeat of what he termed "domestic fascist forces." The Acting Speaker also emphasised the need to foster patience, tolerance and a mature political culture to ensure the country does not deviate from the path of democracy in the future. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said meaningful reform must begin with a transformation of people's mindset, arguing that changes in laws or institutions alone would not be sufficient to build the desired state. He said democratic reform and reconstruction of the state structure should begin with the Constitution, the country's supreme law. Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam said the student-led mass uprising of August 5, 2024, was the outcome of the united struggle of the people and created an opportunity to revive democracy in Bangladesh. He paid tribute to those killed during the July movement and alleged that the previous government had siphoned off large sums of money abroad, curtailed freedom of speech and fundamental rights, and established a climate of fear through enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and repression. He also expressed gratitude for what he described as the responsible and effective role played by the armed forces during the transition. Members of Parliament, whips, secretaries of different ministries and officials of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat, among others, attended the programme.