July uprising was against fascist rule: President

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday described the July Uprising as an outpouring of public anger against years of inequality, corruption, enforced disappearances, killings, the denial of voting rights, repression and what he termed fascist misrule.

In a message marking July Martyrs’ Day, the President paid deep tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the July 2024 mass uprising and called on people from all walks of life to remain united in building a discrimination-free, democratic, accountable and justice-based Bangladesh.

Calling the day a significant chapter in the country’s history, Shahabuddin expressed profound respect and gratitude to the martyrs whose sacrifices, he said, paved the way for democratic aspirations.

He also paid tribute to the young protesters who were injured during the movement, many of whom continue to live with permanent disabilities, and extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The President also acknowledged the sacrifices of the July fighters and all patriotic citizens who participated in the uprising.

The President said the July Uprising reflected the collective frustration of people against prolonged inequality, corruption, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, the deprivation of voting rights and authoritarian rule.

Recalling the events of July 16, 2024, he said the martyrdom of Abu Sayeed in Rangpur after being shot while standing with his arms outstretched, along with the deaths of several other young protesters across the country on the same day, gave the movement new momentum. The subsequent arrests of public university students and the participation of students from private educational institutions and people from all sections of society transformed the protests into a mass uprising.

The President stressed that the July Uprising was not the achievement of any individual, political party or group, but the result of the collective aspirations, courage and sacrifices of people seeking democracy.

He said the sacrifices of the July martyrs reaffirm that the people are the ultimate source of state power and that ensuring citizens’ fundamental rights, dignity, justice and welfare remains the state’s foremost responsibility.

According to the President, the spirit of July continues to inspire the building of a humane, authoritarianism-free, equitable and corruption-free Bangladesh.

He said the democratic government remains committed to ensuring due recognition for the martyrs and injured protesters, supporting their families, rehabilitating those wounded during the uprising and ensuring justice in the related killings.

The President also urged affluent individuals, institutions and humanitarian organisations to complement the government’s efforts in supporting the victims and their families.

He concluded by praying for the eternal peace of the departed souls of the July martyrs and wished success for all programmes undertaken to observe July Martyrs’ Day.