Ensuring dignity of July martyrs’ families and fighters is govt’s sacred responsibility: Acting President
Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram today said ensuring the maintenance of the families of those martyred in the July Mass Uprising, along with the treatment and rehabilitation of the injured, is the most important and sacred responsibility of the present government.
“The most important task of this government is to look after the families of those who made the supreme sacrifice in July movement. This is our most sacred responsibility. It is also the government’s sacred duty to restore the health of those who were injured, who lost their eyesight or limbs,” he said.
He made the remarks while addressing, as the chief guest, a reception and discussion for the families of the July martyrs and July fighters, organised at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre marking ‘July Mass Uprising Day 2026’.
The Acting President said Great July Mass Uprising Day is an unforgettable day inscribed in golden letters in the nation’s history. It marks the victory of freedom-loving students and people love democracy, justice and human dignity. On this day in 2024, the prolonged autocratic and fascist rule came to an end in the face of the intense mass uprising of students and the people. Those associated with the fascist government were forced to flee. The country was liberated and a new dawn began.
The Acting President paid profound tribute to thousands of martyrs of the July Mass Uprising, including Abu Sayeed, Mugdha, Wasim, Yamin, Farhan, Nafiz, Sajal, Rabbi, Meraj, Elem, Taim, Naima, little child Riya Gope and Ahad, and prayed for the eternal peace of their departed souls. He said their sacrifices and patriotism would inspire the nation forever.
He said the presence of a mother with her blind son at the programme deeply touched him.
“The young man had lost his eyesight in the struggle to restore democracy and establish the rule of law. If they are not accorded due dignity and have to go from minister to minister even for their modest needs, it would be a matter of shame for the nation,” he said.
Addressing the attending July fighters and families of the martyrs the Acting President said, “Do not lose heart. You will certainly receive the honour you deserve from this government. We will accord you that honour. We will dedicate everything within our means for your welfare.”
“I want to assure you that if this elected government makes any mistakes, you will take this to our knowledge and we will correct us.”
Referring to the past autocratic Awami League, he said, “We are not like Awami League and we don’t want to be like them. Look at the Awami League; they have no remorse. Despite so much injustice, oppression, killings, enforced disappearances, money laundering, murder, torture and Aynaghar, they feel no shame.”
“They again say they will return to the country in December. We are waiting. Come, return to the country. Inshallah, we will meet on the streets,” he said.
“I fought in the Liberation War at the age of 27. Now, at the age of 82, I will fight another one for Bangladesh and its people, to make good governance and democracy permanent,” he said.
He said there are many states in the world, but very few have citizens who can stand before raised guns with both hands lifted like Abu Sayed. “We are that nation and we are proud of them,” he said.
The Acting President said the July Mass Uprising has created an opportunity to rebuild the state. Now the national goal should be to build a democratic, justice-based and corruption-free Bangladesh where every citizen enjoys equal rights and dignity.
He said, “Today we stand at the beginning of a new journey. This journey will not be easy. Differences of opinion will remain, but on the issues of national interest, democratic values, and the country’s independence and sovereignty, we must demonstrate unity, restraint and wisdom.”
“We must remain vigilant so that no division, hatred or narrow interest can obstruct our national progress,” he said.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmad called upon all to move forward by embracing the spirit of the Great July Mass Uprising in their hearts, strengthen unity, patriotism, honesty and mutual respect.
“Let us transform this new possibility, earned through the blood of the martyrs, into a firm commitment to build a new Bangladesh free from discrimination.
He said, “The Great Liberation War of 1971 was fought to establish democracy. The people’s war of 1971 was a war for democracy. Likewise, the July war was also fought to establish democracy.”
Concluding his speech, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad called upon every citizen to remain vigilant in safeguarding the dignity of Bangladesh.
Earlier, the Acting President presented crests to representatives of the families of the July martyrs and the July fighters.
The programme was chaired by Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain attended as special guests.
Representatives of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Committee were also present. Secretary of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs Md Ashraful Islam delivered the welcome address.
Representatives of the families of the July martyrs and the July fighters expressed their expectations and commitments at the programme.
The programme began at 12:00 noon with the national anthem and recitations from the holy scriptures. A one-minute silence was observed in memory of the July martyrs, and a documentary on the July Mass Uprising was screened.
