DHAKA, Aug 5, 2025 (BSS) – Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus today addressed to the Nation marking the July Mass Uprising Day.

Following is the full text of his speech:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

Dear countrymen, children, adolescents, youth, students, the elderly, men and women, I extend my greetings to you all.

Assalamu Alaikum.

Today is August 5, the July People’s Uprising Day, a day etched forever in the history of Bangladesh. On this very day, one year ago, the July People’s Uprising reached its culmination, and our beloved homeland was freed from a long period of fascist rule.

In June of last year, when a court verdict reinstated the quota system in government jobs, the students and young people of the country erupted in outrage. That outrage turned into a wildfire, fueled by the tyranny, repression, indiscriminate shootings, and brutal killings carried out by the regime.

But in the face of this state-sponsored massacre, carried out at the command of a despotic ruler, the students, workers, and masses of this nation stood firm and fearless. At the forefront of this movement were our indomitable women. They selflessly gave their lives to free the country from tyranny.

On this day, I solemnly remember the martyrs of July, the shining sons and daughters of our nation. To those who were injured, permanently disabled, or lost their vision in July, I extend my deepest respect and gratitude on behalf of the entire nation.

Dear Countrymen,

Over the past year, we have passed through many crises and possibilities. Several incidents and tragedies have deeply saddened us. Most recently, the heartbreaking plane crash at Milestone College claimed the lives of many people, including our innocent children. Many were injured in the resulting fire. This tragedy has left the entire nation in shock. I pray for the peace of the souls who lost their lives in this incident and wish a swift recovery to those still under medical care.

Following this horrific accident, doctors and nurses from countries including Singapore, China, and India have worked tirelessly to help the injured. I extend my sincere gratitude to them. I also thank those who stood beside the victims by donating blood.

Dear Countrymen,

Since the July Uprising, we have come a long way. Peace and order have returned to our national life, the economy has regained momentum, and many crises have been resolved.

Just a few days ago, we successfully concluded tariff negotiations with the United States, which has significantly increased the potential of our economy.

A year ago, when our interim government took over an economy devastated by sixteen years of continuous destruction and plundering, few believed it could be revived.

 But within just one year, we have made progress beyond what anyone could have imagined. The economy has turned around. Now it is time to move forward at full speed. We are now progressing toward handing over the reins of governance from the interim government to an elected one.

In my address to the nation four months after taking office, I promised to hold the next national parliamentary election by June 2026. However, before the election, we must complete several essential tasks. Chief among them are the July Declaration and the July Charter.

Today, on the occasion of July People’s Uprising Day, we have presented the July Declaration to the nation with the participation of political parties. This declaration outlines the context of the July Uprising as well as other historic and democratic movements of the people of Bangladesh, including the great Liberation War.

We had three primary responsibilities: Reform, Justice, and Election. The students, workers, and people who led the July Uprising wrote their demands and expectations on walls across the country. A key focus of those demands was the democratic reform of the state system. In line with that goal, we formed several reform commissions. Among the recommendations submitted by the main commissions, we have already implemented many short-term and urgently needed reforms.

These reforms will bring dynamism to the economic sector, the justice system, and public administration; transparency and accountability will increase significantly; corruption, irregularities, and harassment will be reduced.

To implement long-term reforms, we established the National Consensus Commission. Over 30 political parties and alliances participated enthusiastically and shared their views.

At the initial stage, the Consensus Commission held discussions over two months with these political parties and alliances on their 166 recommendations. Based on the areas of consensus, the commission has identified 19 fundamental reforms, setting aside the issues on which political consensus was already established.

In the second phase, after 23 days of discussion, consensus has been reached on most aspects of 19 additional issues, although there are notes of dissent from some political parties on a few points.

In terms of reform, we have achieved our goals. Under the leadership of the Consensus Commission, and through continuous dialogue among all political parties over a long period, the ‘July Charter’ has now reached its final stage.

The July Charter is a historic achievement. It will be remembered not only in our political history but also in the broader context of political history. Not only the document itself but also the process of its creation will be remembered.

 On behalf of the nation, I extend heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the leaders of all political parties and the members of the Consensus Commission, especially to Professor Ali Riaz, who led this initiative.

Representatives of political parties participated in these discussions in a very cordial environment. Despite differences of opinion, there was a shared effort to reach consensus among all parties. We hope that, based on this consensus, the political parties will soon sign the July Charter and also agree on its implementation.

The July Charter will ensure smooth transfer of power in Bangladesh, the independence and capacity of accountable state institutions, the genuine realization of citizen rights, and proper management of national resources and capabilities.

We must ensure that no future government can ever become fascist again. The state must be restructured in such a way that any sign of fascism, wherever it appears, can be immediately eradicated right there, so we never again have to wait 16 years, never again lose so many lives. We must never again require another mass uprising.

The trial of crimes against humanity committed in July and August is progressing firmly. The formal hearing phase of the trial has also begun. Those involved in the horrific massacres of history will be brought to justice on the soil of this country.

The trial process and its outcomes will be revealed to the public step by step. The entire process of justice is being kept transparent and visible to the people.

Now it is time for us to fulfill our final responsibility: holding the election. From the moment I finish delivering this address on this great day, we will enter the final and most important chapter of our journey. We will begin the process of handing over power to an elected government.

On behalf of the interim government, I will send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner requesting that the Election Commission arrange the national election in February 2026, before the month of Ramadan.

Please pray that the election is held peacefully and smoothly, and that every citizen of this country can contribute to building a ‘New Bangladesh’ successfully. On behalf of the government, we will provide all possible support and cooperation to ensure that the election is free, fair, peaceful, and festive.

Let this election be remembered in the country’s history for its celebratory spirit, peaceful conduct, voter turnout, harmony, and sincerity. From tomorrow, we will begin our mental and institutional preparation to achieve that.

I want to say a few words about voters. This time, we want to ensure the participation of expatriate voters.

One of the key reasons Bangladesh was able to recover so swiftly from economic devastation is the extraordinary contribution of our remittance heroes. The Election Commission is now working to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the upcoming election.

We want to ensure that women voters across the country can vote freely and enthusiastically. We will make all arrangements to ensure a wave of women voters at polling centers.

For the last 15 years, citizens have been deprived of their right to vote. In this election, we want to vote with overdue joy—with grand celebration. Many will be voting for the first time in their lives, and they will go to polling centers amidst festivities to make this day memorable.

Among them will be new women voters, new male voters. Some who were eligible to vote 15 years ago but never got the chance will now finally vote. Some who were eligible 10 years ago, 5 years ago, but never voted, will now be able to. And then there will be the lucky ones, who just became eligible to vote and will also immediately get the opportunity to cast their vote.

We want to make election day feel like Eid. The joy of voting will be shared by all. You should go to polling centers with your children.

This grand joy of exercising civil rights should be passed on to future generations. From now on, start talking every day—what kind of voting arrangements would make it beautiful and festive in your area? Plan that ahead. The foundation for building a new Bangladesh will be laid in this election. Prepare for it.

Dear citizens,

Throughout our country’s history, every major conflict and act of violence has stemmed from flawed elections. The July Uprising has clearly shown us the ultimate consequence of any party forcefully coming to power through a defective electoral process.

We do not wish to repeat any shameful chapter of our history.

You are all aware that a certain group is eager to obstruct the election process. They are working from both outside and within the country, engaging in various conspiracies to derail our democratic progress.

We must remain vigilant to ensure they do not get any opportunity to turn the election into a conflict. Remember, the defeated forces will try repeatedly to rise until the election is held. But if we can successfully conduct a free, fair, and impartial election, the defeat of those destructive forces will be final.

We will use technology to ensure constant consultation on election-related matters. We are in the process of developing an app for this purpose, which will be launched soon. Through this app, you will be able to share your suggestions, opinions, concerns, and initiatives with us.

We will forward them to the appropriate authorities and take steps to resolve any issues.

To the political parties, I urge you: in your election manifestos, in your promises and plans, make sure the youth are not left out. Make sure women are not left out. Remember, the young men and women who have transformed Bangladesh have the power to transform the world.

Give them the opportunity to do so through your party.

In the upcoming election, everyone must be able to vote safely for their candidate of choice, and there must be no room for objection to that. Let us all respect each other’s choices, let that be our shared commitment.

Dear Citizens,

As you know, soon after the government assumed responsibility, the country faced devastating floods in both the southern and northern regions, severely damaging crop production. This raised concerns about a possible increase in the prices of essential commodities. However, due to timely actions by the relevant institutions and authorities, increased monitoring, and efforts to curb middlemen exploitation, this crisis was largely averted. In particular, from the holy month of Ramadan this year until now, the market situation has remained stable.

Controlling inflation was one of our biggest challenges. Due to the fragile economy and the floods, food inflation had reached nearly 14 percent. That figure has now been halved, and we expect it to come down to 6 percent by December.

In June, the overall inflation rate fell to 8.48 percent, the lowest in the past 35 months. This marks the fourth consecutive month of declining inflation.

Thanks to the immense trust of our expatriate community in the current interim government, stability has also returned to the currency market. In the last fiscal year, a record USD 30.33 billion in remittances came through banking channels. Export earnings have also grown by nearly nine percent.

As a result, the Bangladeshi Taka has strengthened. For the first time in years, the Taka has appreciated against the dollar. In the past 11 months, we have repaid USD four billion in principal and interest to foreign creditors, the highest amount in our history. Despite settling these outstanding dues, our foreign currency reserves are increasing. We hope this trend will continue.

Due to various initiatives to boost foreign investment, the first three months of this year saw over BDT 10,500 crore in foreign direct investment, more than double compared to the same period last year. If counted from October, FDI over the last six months has reached BDT 16,500 crore, which is double the amount received during the last six months of the previous government.

Creating employment remains one of the interim government’s top priorities. Recently, the Hong Kong-based industrial group Handa pledged an investment of USD 250 million in Bangladesh’s textile and garments sector, the largest single investment from a Chinese company in this industry. This investment will create 25,000 jobs. We strongly believe that Handa’s investment will inspire other Chinese companies to invest in Bangladesh, opening more employment opportunities for our youth.

Over the past 16 years, a vast amount of money has been illicitly laundered out of the country. We have initiated efforts to recover these assets. The government has hired a renowned international legal firm to navigate the complex legal process. Due to appropriate legal action, some of the wealth hoarded by fascist criminals abroad has already been seized. If this process is carried out properly, we expect more positive results in the near future.

To truly strengthen our broken economy, we must bring about a fundamental shift in our thinking. I have always said that our rivers and vast sea are valuable national resources. We aim to build a water-based economy in parallel by utilizing these assets.

We often forget that a significant portion of the Bay of Bengal belongs to us, and it is larger than our total landmass. Yet we constantly worry about our land-based resources, while disregarding the other half of our country, the water-based half, simply because we don’t live there. But just as we count the wetlands as part of our country, we must also recognize the Bay as an essential part of our nation.

From now on, we will always regard our share of the Bay of Bengal as a valuable national asset. We will use it to conduct trade with both domestic and international partners, turning the whole world into our neighbor through the sea.

This water holds vast, untapped resources: fisheries that yield harvests year after year, and an abundance of gas beneath the sea floor. These should continuously shape our national planning and imagination.

The current government has launched a major reform initiative to modernize the Chattogram Port. Recently, the government assigned container handling at the New Mooring Terminal to Dry Dock Limited, operated by the Bangladesh Navy. Positive changes began as soon as they started operations. In just the first two weeks, an average of 225 more containers were handled daily compared to before. A modernized port will not only benefit Bangladesh’s economy but also positively impact the economies of neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan. All of us will gain from this cooperation.

Our coastal region is a hub of limitless possibilities. From Kumira to Teknaf, increased port activities will transform the entire coastline into a vital economic center in South Asia. Numerous industrial zones will emerge in this area, thanks to the proximity of the sea and our ability to use it wisely. We’ve already begun discussions with our friendly nations to ensure sustainable use of the sea, coastal resources, and the environment, and they’ve responded enthusiastically.

We have yet to fully harness the potential of the deep sea. We’ve begun working on developing an industry focused on fish farming, harvesting, and processing centered around the deep sea. This will create employment for hundreds of thousands of people and strengthen our economy with renewed energy

Dear Citizens,

We are working diligently to resolve visa-related complications faced by Bangladeshi expatriates. The United Arab Emirates has resumed issuing visas to Bangladeshi citizens, and for the first time, the Malaysian authorities have introduced multiple-entry visas for Bangladeshi workers. We are also actively engaging with other countries to explore ways to ease similar visa issues.

We have initiated preparations to send at least 100,000 young Bangladeshis to Japan over the next five years. To support this, we have begun implementing specialized training and necessary arrangements for these young individuals. In addition, efforts are underway to send skilled workers to countries like Italy, South Korea, and Serbia.

For those expatriates who had become irregular in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Oman due to documentation issues, we have taken steps to regularize their status. We are also reviewing existing agreements with various countries to ensure they become more favorable and reassuring for our migrant brothers and sisters.

Whether living at home or abroad, we are committed to ensuring that all Bangladeshi citizens have access to their full rights and services.

Dear Citizens,

Thanks to our ongoing initiatives, nearly 87,000 Bangladeshis have been able to perform Hajj smoothly this year. We have also succeeded in reducing Hajj-related costs compared to previous years. To ensure a seamless Hajj experience, we launched an app called ‘Labbayk’, which enabled pilgrims’ families to track their loved ones’ locations in real time from the comfort of their homes.

This year, our Hajj management has been praised across South Asia. The Ministry has already begun preparations to make next year’s Hajj arrangements even more efficient and hassle-free.

Dear Citizens,

During the July mass uprising, it was our parents and teachers who stood as shields beside the brave young students. Parents in this country raise their children with great sacrifice and send them to universities with hopes for a better future. Yet many students leave university not with degrees and dreams fulfilled, but physically and mentally unwell. This is due to filthy dormitory conditions, poor-quality food, and, most severely, the violence and oppression inflicted by politically backed student groups.

Instead of focusing on education, students were routinely forced to attend political programs. University administrations and faculty were fully aware of this, but no one stepped in to stop it, nor did they even try. Many teachers, seeking promotions or benefits, became entangled in partisan politics themselves. Some even played the role of oppressors.

In nearly every university residential hall, political thugs held control, and acts of inhumane torture were common. Torture cells had been set up inside these halls.

The interim government is committed to ensuring that no educational institution will ever again be defiled by political activities that ruin the learning environment and destroy young lives. No parent should have to worry when sending their child to a university.

Since assuming office, the government has been holding regular meetings with advisory committees and has taken several initiatives to improve the education system.

Efforts are underway to raise the quality of education in schools across the country. Recently, the government made a landmark decision to upgrade the pay grade of all headteachers in government primary schools by one level to Grade 10. The recruitment process for 6,500 headteacher vacancies in primary schools is currently ongoing.

We are also focusing on reforming the methodology of primary education. All schools have been directed to install internet connections and create multimedia classrooms. By the end of this year, at least 100 schools in the Chittagong Hill Tracts will launch e-learning programs. Experienced teachers from Dhaka and Chattogram will assist these remote schools using technology, helping to fill the teacher shortage in those regions.

In areas with electricity shortages, solar panels are being installed. Mobile networks and Starlink satellite services are being used to address connectivity issues and ensure uninterrupted learning.

Special measures are being taken to make schools more conducive for girls. A new rule now requires the inclusion of female architects in school building committees to ensure that infrastructure is women-friendly. Our goal is to prioritize girls, not only in design but in every aspect of their educational experience, so that they can learn in an environment that supports their personal safety, health, and overall well-being.

Dear Citizens,

We are working tirelessly to support the martyrs and wounded heroes of the July Uprising. So far, bank checks have been issued to 775 families of martyrs, amounting to nearly BDT 1 billion in savings certificates and monthly allowances. The process of providing savings certificates to the remaining families is underway, pending the resolution of a few legal matters. In addition, a total of BDT 1.53 billion in cash and checks has been disbursed to 13,800 injured July fighters, categorized into three groups.

Seventy-eight severely injured July fighters have been sent abroad for advanced treatment in Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and Russia. To date, nearly BDT 1 billion has been spent on their medical care. Various initiatives are being taken for their rehabilitation through the combined efforts of all government ministries.

During the fascist regime, more than a thousand institutions, roads, bridges, cantonments, warships, schools, colleges, and universities—were renamed after the dictator and his family members. We have reversed those changes, restoring the original names or giving them more appropriate ones.

Dear Citizens,

The interim government assumed responsibility at a time when nearly every democratic institution, office, and court in the country was in ruins. Our first and foremost priority was to begin restoring and rebuilding these institutions, reorganizing the law enforcement agencies, reviving the economy, reactivating the judiciary, Election Commission, and all other democratic bodies, and making them accountable to the people.

The blood-soaked July was the outburst of the youth’s accumulated anger against tyranny. For 16 long years, in every movement against the autocratic regime, ruling-party-backed militants attacked protestors with weapons. In each of these uprisings, maximum force was used to suppress the people, either by direct involvement of security forces or through their silent complicity.

The interim government has taken up significant reforms to establish an independent judiciary. Based on the recommendations of the Judicial Reform Commission, many of the tasks, including Supreme Court judicial appointments, that could be achieved within a short time have already been completed, and the remaining work is ongoing.

To rebuild the weakened and politicized law enforcement agencies, which had turned into party militias under autocratic rule, we’ve taken extensive measures. A dedicated Human Rights Cell has been established at the Police Headquarters, where any violations or misconduct by police officers can be reported. Similar cells are being established at the headquarters of other law enforcement agencies as well.

All interrogations must now take place in transparent glass rooms. Humane treatment of detainees in custody will be ensured. Police officers will be required to wear body cameras and GPS-tracking devices during operations. Measures have been taken to ensure that police can no longer use lethal weapons to suppress protests. Officers are now being trained to use force in unlawful gatherings strictly according to the five-step protocol approved by the United Nations.

In total, 16 major reforms recommended by the Police Reform Commission have already been completed, and 43 more are nearing completion.

Legal reforms have also been made to various laws, including the Civil Code and the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. Most recently, the government approved the Criminal Procedure Amendment Ordinance, 2025. According to this ordinance, if a person is arrested, their family must be informed within 12 hours.

The detainee must be allowed to meet with a lawyer. If the arrested person becomes ill or injured during remand, a medical examination must be conducted to determine the cause, and proper treatment must be provided.

If it is found that the police were responsible, legal action will be taken.

This law is expected to significantly reduce harassment related to arrests and detentions, increase police accountability, and expedite the justice process

The Police Reform Commission had recommended that no one should be turned away from a police station when attempting to file a General Diary (GD). It must be accepted. Based on this recommendation, the government has decided that GDs can now be filed online at every police station. There will no longer be any justification for refusing to take a GD.

One of the key conditions of a thriving democracy is freedom of the press. Looking at our past, it becomes clear that the biggest and earliest obstacle to free journalism was the government itself. The interim government has taken several steps to remove these obstacles. We have opened the space for criticism. Now, anyone, whether through mainstream or social media, can freely criticize the government. Even state-run media can now openly criticize the authorities, something that was unthinkable in the recent past.

To ensure accountability among journalists, the government has restructured the Press Council. You are all aware that false information and rumors spread rapidly through social media every day. These have become tools to destabilize the country. To counter disinformation, we are providing various types of training to strengthen the capacity of journalists.

One of the greatest threats to journalism during the autocratic regime was the Digital Security Act, which was later replaced by the Cyber Security Act. We have now repealed this law. All cases filed against journalists under this law have been withdrawn. This is a major step forward in protecting press freedom. The new law excludes nine of the most repressive sections from the old act. Over 95% of the previous cases were filed under these specific sections. We believe the new law will put an end to legal harassment of journalists.

Last year, the fascist government shut down the internet to silence public protest and carry out brutal crackdowns in secret. The interim government has promulgated the Cyber Protection Ordinance and, for the first time, recognized internet access as a fundamental right in a new ordinance.

Recently, Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC surpassed a major milestone, handling 4.00 terabites per second in international bandwidth. The government is making maximum efforts to improve the quality of internet service across the country.

Dear Citizens,

At your call, we assumed responsibility at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. The July Uprising awakened an unprecedented sense of possibility for a new Bangladesh ,and you entrusted us with the responsibility to carry that hope forward.

Over the past 12 months, with all of you beside us, we’ve worked tirelessly to fulfill the promises of July.

Let us now, on this Day of the July Mass Uprising, pledge that we will never again allow this nation to be divided.

We will honor every citizen with dignity, regardless of their identity.
Even if, in the trials of daily life, we momentarily lose our way, each year, July will remind us to come together once again.

July is the month when our youth led the way to rediscovering our national soul. It is a month of reflection, correction, and resilience. A time to protect ourselves from falling back into the same dark holes of the past.

July is also the month to listen, to voices in villages, in homes, in government and private schools and colleges, in the fields and farms, especially to the hopes and dreams of our teenagers and youth.

The election is approaching. If you live away from your home constituency, begin visiting regularly from now. Prepare yourself to help elect the most deserving candidate.

As you cast your vote, let the faces of those whose fresh blood restored this sacred right appear before your eyes.

February is not far away. The days of preparation will pass quickly, and soon, it will be election day. After so many years of being denied our votes, this time, we will all vote. No one will be left behind.

Let us all proudly say:

“On the journey to building a new Bangladesh, I will cast my vote. And it was my vote that helped this country set out on that path.”

On this July Uprising Day, I call on every citizen: Let us pass the first great test in building a new Bangladesh, together, successfully.
 
May Almighty Allah be our guide and protector.
 
Allah Hafez.