State Minister Bobby Hajjaj spoke at a Canadian University of Bangladesh discussion on youth, resolve and resistance. Photo : collected

DHAKA, Aug 17, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj today said the July Mass Uprising was not the sole achievement of any individual, political party, or group; rather, it was the outcome of the collective aspirations and participation of people from diverse classes, professions, and ideological backgrounds. 

He made these remarks as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Voices of July: Youth, Resolve and Resistance”, organized by the Canadian University of Bangladesh here, said an official handout.

The state minister said true significance of the July Mass Uprising cannot be understood if it is viewed merely as a specific movement. 

Several movements that began with different demands, expectations, and aspirations eventually transformed into a broader mass uprising, he observed.

Bobby said although people had different demands and positions, an overarching common aspiration ultimately emerged that the state and government should be run for the people, while ensuring citizens’ rights and dignity.

Emphasizing the responsibilities of young people, the state minister said citizens’ responsibilities do not end simply with a change of government, rather the responsibility of holding the government accountable after it assumes office is even more important. 

He urged university students to remain aware and actively engaged in this regard.

The state minister also called upon all citizens to play a responsible role in establishing a democratic, constitutional, and accountable state system by upholding the spirit of the Mass Uprising.

“Differences in political ideology are natural in a democratic society. One person may support one political party, while another may support a different party. However, the interests of the country and the state must be placed above parties or individuals. A political party may be important, but the country is the most important,” he said.

 “Whichever government is in power, the system of government must always remain accountable to the people—this is our fundamental expectation,” said the state minister.

State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Hoque spoke as the main speaker while Chowdhury Zafarullah Sharafat, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Canadian University of Bangladesh, attended as a special guest.