Independence a continuation of 1969 mass uprising: Chief Adviser

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has said the uprising of 1969 was a pivotal chapter in Bangladesh’s struggle for sovereignty and independence, calling citizens to dedicate themselves to building a truly democratic society.

He made the remarks in a message marking ‘1969 Mass Uprising Day’ on Saturday (January 24).

In the message, Dr. Yunus also expressed his commemoration and tribute to the historic day.

He noted that the Bengali nation achieved its ultimate freedom through a continuum of movements, including the Language Movement, the historic Six-Point Programme, the Eleven-Point Programme, and the 1969 mass uprising, culminating in the Liberation War.

“The entire month of January 1969 witnessed intense and widespread protests against the then authoritarian regime. On January 24, spontaneous participation by students and the general public turned the movement into a massive popular upheaval,” he said.

Dr. Yunus recalled that on that day, demonstrators defied curfew and took to the streets in protest. Police opened fire, killing ninth-grade student Matiur Rahman Mallik of Dhaka’s Nabakumar Institute, along with several others including Makbul, Anwar, Rustom, Milon, and Alamgir.

He added that the sacrifices of martyrs from the 1969 uprising, and subsequent movements including the July Uprising, continue to inspire courage and dedication among Bangladesh’s youth.

The Chief Adviser concluded by paying deep respect to all the martyrs of the 1969 Mass Uprising, emphasising the enduring significance of their struggle in the nation’s democratic journey.