President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has called upon the nation to preserve the essence of the July uprising, urging citizens to carry its spirit in their hearts. During a discussion and prize-giving ceremony for an essay and art competition marking ‘July Mass Uprising Day-2026’ at the Parliament Secretariat on Wednesday, August 5, the President emphasized that the collective goal must be to transform the people’s aspirations and expectations into reality.
Reflecting on the long struggle, the President noted that countless individuals endured sixteen years of tireless effort and political risk to bring an end to autocratic rule. He described this achievement as a glorious chapter in the nation’s history. During the event, he shared a poignant experience from earlier that day, where he met a mother who brought her son—who lost his eyesight during the July uprising—to the stage. He stressed that ensuring justice for the martyrs and those who suffered injuries or permanent disabilities is a long-term national commitment for the current government and the Parliament.
Acting Speaker of the National Parliament, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, presided over the event, which also featured remarks from Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed, Chief Whip Nurul Islam, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam. Parliament Secretary Barrister Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan delivered the welcome address. Barrister Kaiser Kamal remarked that just as March 26 and December 16 represent victory over foreign forces, August 5 stands as a historic day of triumph over domestic fascist powers.
The Acting Speaker further noted that because Bangladesh did not experience consistent democratic governance following its independence, the public was often deprived of its true benefits. He advocated for the cultivation of patience, tolerance, and a refined political culture to prevent the nation from repeating past mistakes. Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed added that true reform must occur within the human psyche, asserting that structural and constitutional changes must begin with the nation’s supreme law.
Chief Whip Nurul Islam characterized the August 5, 2024, student-led uprising as the result of a unified national struggle that paved the way for the revival of democracy. He stated that while the 1971 war secured independence, the 2024 movement initiated a new chapter in strengthening the democratic foundation of that freedom. He paid tribute to the martyrs and criticized the previous administration, labeling it a ‘mafia’ government that allegedly laundered vast sums of money, suppressed free speech, and maintained a climate of fear through enforced disappearances and torture chambers known as ‘Aynaghar’. He also expressed gratitude for the responsible role played by the armed forces during the transition.
The commemorative event was attended by various whips, members of parliament, government secretaries, and officials from the Parliament Secretariat. The program concluded with the distribution of awards to the winners of the competition, serving as a reminder of the ongoing national duty to honor the sacrifices made for the country’s democratic future.