Mass uprising was a unified resistance against fascist misrule: President

President Md. Shahabuddin has said that the July mass uprising was a unified resistance of students, workers, and the general public against a discriminatory state system and fascist misrule. According to him, the uprising was a culmination of the younger generation’s and people’s outrage over prolonged deprivation, misgovernance, corruption, looting, enforced disappearances, killings, abductions, and the denial of voting rights.

He stated that the primary objective of the July uprising was to abolish this discriminatory fascist system and to restore democracy, ensure people’s empowerment, and safeguard freedom of expression. To build a prosperous and happy Bangladesh, the spirit of July must be fully realized through the uprooting of fascism, he added.

The President made these remarks in a message issued on Monday (4 August) on the occasion of the historic July Mass Uprising Day, which is observed on 5 August. He also extended his heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all freedom-loving students and citizens of the country.

In his message, President Shahabuddin said, “Today is the historic July Mass Uprising Day. On this very day in 2024, students, workers, and the general public achieved a decisive victory through their united resistance against a discriminatory state structure and fascist misrule. On the anniversary of this historic achievement, I extend my sincere greetings and congratulations to all freedom-seeking people of the nation.”

He further said, “I pay my deepest respects to all martyrs of the July uprising who made the ultimate sacrifice to free the country from tyranny. I pray for the salvation of their souls. I also solemnly remember the brave July fighters who were injured, rendered disabled, or lost their eyesight during the uprising. It is the sacred duty of the state to ensure justice for the families of the martyrs and for those who were injured. The state remains committed to fulfilling this responsibility.”

Referring to the post-uprising period, the President noted that the state has embarked on a comprehensive reform process, which reflects the hopes and aspirations of the uprising. “Through a true democratic transition, a just and equitable new Bangladesh will emerge—this is my heartfelt expectation on this day,” he said. President Shahabuddin also wished success for all programs undertaken in observance of the July Mass Uprising Day.