August 5 a milestone of freedom and democracy: PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that August 5 is a historic milestone in Bangladesh’s journey to restore democracy. He said the day is not merely one of political change but a symbol of the people’s victory against one and a half decades of repression, enforced disappearances, killings, persecution, and the denial of voting rights.
He added that the victory achieved through the sacrifices of the martyrs must be made meaningful by building a just, accountable, and discrimination-free state.
The Prime Minister made these remarks as the chief guest at the formal inauguration of the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum in the capital today (August 5).
Members of the Advisory Council, leaders of various political parties, diplomats, family members of martyrs, injured fighters of the July Mass Uprising, academics, cultural figures, and representatives from different professions attended the event.
The Prime Minister said, “Today marks a new beginning in Bangladesh’s democratic journey. It is a day that will remind future generations that no authoritarian regime can remain permanent in the face of the united strength of the people. August 5 is the day of our commitment to building a new Bangladesh.”
He said that for one and a half decades, the people of the country endured the harsh realities of enforced disappearances, murders, extrajudicial killings, political repression, restrictions on freedom of expression, and the deprivation of voting rights. Various state institutions had been weakened through partisan control, undermining the democratic framework. However, that dark chapter came to an end through the united movement of students and citizens, the sacrifices of young people, and the participation of people from all walks of life.
Tarique Rahman said that the July Mass Uprising was not the movement of any single party or group. Rather, it was the result of the collective struggle of students, youth, workers, farmers, teachers, religious scholars, lawyers, journalists, women, and ordinary citizens. Therefore, he said, the victory belongs to the entire nation.
He added that this spirit of unity must be utilized in building the Bangladesh of the future.
The Prime Minister said that the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum is not merely a structure; it is a living document of the nation’s struggle, sacrifice, and the restoration of democracy.
Every photograph, document and artifact preserved there will inform future generations about how the path to restoring democracy was paved through the sacrifices of countless people.
He further said that the true recognition of the martyrs’ sacrifices will come only when the rule of law, human rights, an independent judiciary, an accountable administration, and corruption-free governance are ensured.
Calling upon the nation, he said, “The spirit of August 5 must not be confined to ceremonies alone. It must be established in governance, education, the justice system, public administration, and every level of society. Only then will the Bangladesh envisioned by the martyrs become a reality.”
At the end of the event, a one-minute silence was observed in memory of those who sacrificed their lives during the July Mass Uprising.
The Prime Minister later toured various galleries of the museum and viewed photographs, personal memorabilia, documents, and historical artifacts related to the uprising.
