New state system great dream behind uprising

The immediate objective of the July mass uprising was fulfilled through the regime change but a great dream behind it was to build a new state system and a new Bangladesh, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus reminds.

As the interim government led by the Nobel laureate and sociopolitical stakeholders began observing the first anniversary of the occasion on Tuesday, Prof Muhammad Yunus also urged the people to commemorate the July Uprising every year to resist " reemergence of autocracy".

"We will observe this (July Uprising) every year so that we do not have to wait 16 years for another uprising over again. We will do this every year so that we can destroy it immediately if there is any sign of dictatorship," he said while inaugurating a month-long programme at his office in Dhaka to commemorate the July Uprising.

The head of interim government said, "This is very important so that we can catch it before it even shows its first leaf, so that we do not have to wait 16 years."

Terming this day a glorious moment in the country's history, the Chief Adviser said this day (1st of July) a year ago, the movement that the students started gave the people a taste of freedom by creating an unprecedented mass uprising.

"The July was an unforgettable call, an awakening of the people in the struggle to restore democracy in the country."

Prof Yunus said the essence of that movement was "Build a new Bangladesh by eliminating fascism, return the state to the hands of the people".

"Today, we have taken up the programme to commemorate the July Uprising. This is not just a matter of emotion-it is not a matter of expressing anger." The immediate target of the mass uprising was fulfilled but there was a great dream behind it - to reconstruct state system and build a new Bangladesh.

In his speech, Prof Yunus remembered with deep respects all those who took to the streets and held the flag of democracy high, and became symbols of courage, sacrifice and determination during the uprising.

He said the month-long programme is not just a remembrance, but a new oath.

"We want the unity that was created among people of all classes, professions and ages of this country in July last year to be consolidated again this July," the Chief Adviser said.