Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin today addressed the "July Renaissance-2025" commemorative event held at a city hotel . Photo: Collected

DHAKA, July 26, 2025 (BSS) - Commerce and Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin today said the historic July Uprising marked the beginning of Bangladesh's journey towards building a just, non-discriminatory and inclusive state, where the people remain at the centre of governance.

"The July movement was not merely a protest but the hopeful beginning of a new chapter in our national and administrative history," he said while addressing the "July Renaissance-2025" commemorative event as the chief guest.

The programme was organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital to honour the memory of the 2024 July Uprising.

At the outset of the event, a one-minute silence was observed in remembrance of the martyrs of the student-led mass movement.

Recalling on the uprising, Bashir described it as a bold demand for change and a collective stand for the people's rights, initiated by students and strongly backed by the general public.

He said the uprising instilled a new political consciousness and paved the way for an administrative model that puts people first.

"We have increased direct engagement with citizens, undertaken meaningful reforms, and recognized the people not as mere numbers, but as the most vital forces in decision-making," he added.

He called for the establishment of a state and administrative system where the voice of every citizen is heard, decisions are data-driven and serve public interest, and the administration becomes the strongest ally of the people.

 "If we internalize service as a responsibility, then we truly carry forward the spirit of the July movement," he said.

The event was chaired by Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan, while International Affairs Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi (ranked as Adviser) attended as special guest. 
Additional Secretary of the ministry Abdur Naser Khan delivered the welcome remarks.

One of the emotional highlights of the event came when Md. Sabbir Ahmed, who lost his vision during the August 4 protests last year, shared his personal story of sacrifice and hope.
Addressing the audience, Lutfey Siddiqi said the sacrifices of the July Uprising opened the door for a transformative future. Today, employment generation, economic inclusion, trade and investment are being prioritised in new policy planning, he added.

Secretary Jahan remarked that the youth can never be silenced. "When challenged, they rise stronger. The July-August movement revealed their unmatched resilience," she said, urging young people to contribute to nation-building.

As part of the commemorative programme, a painting competition, blood donation campaign and a tourism fair featuring 10 stalls were held.

Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin inaugurated the events by donating blood himself and later distributed awards to the winners of various contests.
In a special gesture, 11 visually impaired freedom fighters of the July Movement received confirmation letters for two return tickets each (Dhaka-Jeddah-Dhaka) for Umrah from US-Bangla Airlines. 

They also received Taka 50,000 each from Sky Capital Airlines to support other pilgrimage expenses. 

Bashir personally handed over the tickets and cheques.
The adviser also distributed domestic flight tickets to winners of the painting competition, underscoring the ministry's commitment to inclusive engagement and community outreach.