July belongs to everyone, Prof Yunus says in statement urging unity

On the occasion of July Mass Uprising Day, Professor Muhammad Yunus – who led the interim government as chief adviser following Sheikh Hasina’s fall — issued a statement highlighting the importance of unity.  

In the statement issued on Wednesday, he said July stood 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.

Paying respect to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the uprising, he also expressed gratitude to those who were injured, lost their eyesight, or were left permanently disabled in the struggle.

“July belongs to everyone, to people from every walk of life and every profession. It belongs to the students of schools, colleges, madrasas, and public, private, and national universities who took to the streets. It belongs to the teachers and parents who stood beside them,” he said.

“The extraordinary courage shown by women during July will continue to inspire generations of women in our country and give strength to our young people. The unparalleled leadership provided by the student leaders will inspire future generations of young people in Bangladesh,” he said.

Yunus then emphasized that the July Mass Uprising had taught that when people from every walk of life stand united, they have the power to transform even the most entrenched and seemingly unassailable systems. 

“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,” he concluded.