– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday observed the first anniversary of the July Uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, 2024.
The event started with readings of messages from President Mohammad Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser of the interim government, Prof. Muhammad Yunus.
President Shahabuddin called for uprooting fascist roots. He urged people to realize the July movement’s spirit to build a happy and prosperous Bangladesh. Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus said the sacrifices of the Uprising would matter only if the country becomes a true welfare state.
Two documentaries on the July movement were screened. Dr. Nabila Idris, Commissioner of the Enquiry Commission on Enforced Disappearances, spoke via a video message. She shared her experiences of helping student protestors during the movement.
Over 1,000 students were killed during the Uprising. This death toll marks the bloodiest chapter in Bangladesh’s history since 1971.
Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, M Riaz Hamidullah, called the Uprising a “completely spontaneous” movement. He said it created a new vision for the country.
Faisal Mahmud, Minister (Press) at the High Commission, also addressed the gathering.
The event took place at the Mission’s Maitri Hall. Bangladeshi students from various Indian institutions attended the program.
