Dr. Yunus marks one month since Bangladesh’s student uprising, honoring those who sacrificed and sharing his vision to rebuild the nation after the fall of the dictatorship.
Today, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, shared a heartfelt message to mark one month since the student uprising. His words, filled with reflection and hope, touched on the sacrifices made and the future ahead.
“Assalamu Alaikum,
Today, we are marking one month since Bangladesh’s second independence. Many brave students and citizens made huge sacrifices for this historic revolution.
They ended the 15-year rule of the harsh dictator, Sheikh Hasina, who led a brutal genocide. After fleeing the country, she left behind a nation plagued by corruption and a weak economy. Now, it’s up to us to rebuild Bangladesh and make it shine.”
He then continued by honoring the bravery of the students and citizens who led the revolution, calling it "one of the most glorious revolutions in history." Dr. Yunus remembered the many who lost their lives and those who were severely injured during the movement that toppled Sheikh Hasina's 15-year dictatorship.
“Today, I honor the brave young people, workers, laborers, and professionals who gave their lives fighting against the brutal, murderous forces. I also remember the journalists who lost their lives during the movement. I pay my deep respects to all the martyrs of this revolution.
I also salute the thousands who were injured, permanently disabled, or lost their sight.”
Sheikh Hasina, accused of leading a brutal genocide, fled the country. Her regime left Bangladesh in a state of corruption and economic instability. Now, the people have the responsibility to rebuild the country.
“We have a responsibility to build Bangladesh to its full potential.”
Reflecting on his role as Chief Advisor, Dr. Yunus shared how the sacrifices of Abu Saeed, Mugdha, and other martyrs inspired him to lead despite his limitations.
"Last month, when I was asked to lead the Interim Government, I accepted the role inspired by the selfless sacrifices of Abu Saeed, Mugdha, and countless other martyrs, despite my own limitations."
Dr. Yunus encouraged the youth to return to their studies, acknowledging the toll the revolution took on their education.
He emphasized the need for an educated and skilled generation to benefit from the revolution’s success. Schools and universities have reopened, and he urged students to go back to their classrooms.
“My dear youths,
You made a promise to chase your dreams. The dreams you painted on city and village walls still shine brightly.
During the revolution, you gave up your studies, spent restless nights with friends, and took to the streets to bid each other a final farewell as you fought against the brutal regime. After the revolution, you protected the country’s religious minorities and their places of worship, and took on the task of managing traffic across the nation.”
Dr. Yunus mentioned ongoing efforts to retrieve money stolen by corrupt officials and politicians during Hasina’s rule.
“We plan to capture the killers and recover the stolen money from corrupt politicians and bureaucrats from the autocratic regime. We’ve begun talks with expert organizations to make this happen.”
One of the government’s main tasks is providing medical treatment to those severely injured in the revolution. Many students lost their eyesight due to rubber bullets. Dr. Yunus promised to work tirelessly to help them and ensure that the martyrs' families receive support.
“We will never forget the martyrs whose sacrifices gave birth to New Bangladesh,” he said, pledging to create a foundation to support long-term care for injured survivors and the families of those who lost their lives.”
The interim government has also signed an international convention to end enforced disappearances.
A commission has been formed to investigate every incident of enforced disappearance during the last 15 years of Sheikh Hasina's rule. Dr. Yunus expressed deep sympathy for the families waiting in pain for their missing loved ones.
“Recently, we signed an international agreement to protect everyone from enforced disappearances. We are now committed to ending the 'enforced disappearance culture' created by the autocratic ruler.”
“Additionally, we have created a commission to investigate every case of enforced disappearance over the past 15 years of fascist rule. We also stand with the families who have endured years of pain waiting for their missing fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers.”
He also stopped the notorious Aynaghar, an infamous operation associated with the previous regime, and vowed to uncover the truth behind those who were disappeared.
He also stopped the infamous Aynaghar operation, tied to the previous regime, and committed to uncovering the truth about those who went missing.
In closing, Dr. Yunus expressed gratitude to the martyrs' families and assured them that their sacrifices will not be in vain. He invited them to join in rebuilding the nation and promised to meet them soon. “We will never betray the blood of the martyrs,” he assured.
“We’re moving forward. Our biggest challenge now is to heal from the wounds left by autocracy,” he said. Dr. Yunus stressed the importance of unity, coordination, and determination to build the “New Bangladesh” they envisioned.
