Dr. Yunus Vows Democratic Revival, Condemns Internet Shutdown During Uprising
Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has accused the former fugitive Awami League government of attempting to hide killings during the mass uprising by shutting down internet services. In a powerful video message delivered on Tuesday, August 5, during nationwide observances marking “July People's Uprising Day,” he declared, “We are not just here to remember the past. We are here to take an oath. The oath is this— we will not bow to any form of oppression. We shall build an accountable, humane, democratic, and egalitarian state.”
“This will be a state that works for the welfare of all people. We will not let the sacrifice of the July martyrs go in vain. Their sacrifice will be our inspiration, and their dreams will shape the future of Bangladesh. Let this be our pledge today,” he added.
The Chief Adviser recalled, “We, as a nation, are commemorating a day that left a deep imprint on our history. August 5 is not merely a special date; it is a vow, a tale of awakening, and a day of national rebirth from fascist rule. I pay my deepest respects to the valiant freedom fighters of 1971, whose sacrifice gifted us a sovereign Bangladesh. That war was for equality, human dignity, and social justice.”
“But even after half a century of independence, our people were denied justice and democracy. Inequality persisted. The tumultuous July of 2024 marked a crisis in our history, the eruption of 16 years of pent-up frustration,” Yunus said.
He pointed to systemic corruption, nepotism, and patronage as central grievances, particularly among youth. “For 16 years, countless young people lived in despair. Despite good academic performance, they were forced to grovel before the powerful for jobs. Corruption, nepotism, and lobbying thrived. Those unable to pay bribes or curry favor with local mafias were shut out of employment.”
He further stated that a privileged class had been cultivated across all sectors—“in public institutions, academia, the economy, judiciary, law enforcement, media, and even culture—who thrived by siding with the regime.”
“The fascist regime and its accomplices looted the people’s wealth to build mountains of illicit fortune. Every just demand or protest over the past 16 years was met with brutal violence. Protesters were not only attacked by police but by armed party loyalists,” Yunus added.
He continued, “Anyone who criticized the regime or spoke for citizens’ rights was either arrested or disappeared. Hundreds of thousands of opposition leaders and activists were arbitrarily detained.”
Referring to the popular revolt, he said, “On July 24, students, youth, and ordinary citizens united with the hope of a new dawn. In unison, they declared: The fascists must go. Yet, the regime responded with bullets. They shut down the internet to conceal the massacres, conducted nighttime raids, arrested students, and denied treatment to the injured. Many lost their sight or became permanently disabled as hospitals were ordered not to admit them.”
Paying tribute to the fallen, Yunus said, “We bow our heads in honor of the July martyrs. We pray for the departed souls. To those who were injured, disabled, or lost their sight—we offer our deepest respect and gratitude. The nation will remain forever indebted to you.”
He shared that the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has been assigned to support the victims. “Out of 836 recognized martyr families, 775 have already received Tk 984 million in savings bonds and monthly allowances. The rest will receive their benefits soon. Additionally, 13,800 injured July fighters have received Tk 1.53 billion in cash and checks. Seventy-eight of the most severely wounded have been sent abroad for advanced medical treatment, costing Tk 975 million.”
He affirmed that government hospitals and clinics across the country have been instructed to prioritize the free treatment of all injured July fighters.
Concluding his message, Yunus declared, “The true meaning of their sacrifice will only be fulfilled when we build a people-centered, welfare-oriented Bangladesh. Today, we are not merely remembering—we are taking a solemn vow to establish a just, democratic, and accountable nation.”
