Nobel laureate urges Bangladesh to preserve unity forged during July uprising

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus paid tribute Tuesday to those killed and injured during the July Mass Uprising, calling the movement a defining chapter in Bangladesh’s struggle for justice, people’s rights and democratic aspirations.

“July stands as a defining chapter in the struggle for the rights of the people, justice, and democratic aspirations,” Yunus said in a statement issued before July Mass Uprising Day.

The former chief adviser of the interim government honored those who died and expressed gratitude to people who were injured, blinded or permanently disabled.

Yunus said the uprising belonged to students, teachers, parents, journalists, workers, doctors, political figures, artists, civil society members and Bangladeshis abroad. He also praised women and student leaders for their courage.

“The July Mass Uprising taught us that when people from every walk of life stand united, they have the power to transform even the most entrenched and seemingly unassailable systems,” he said.