Staff Reporter:
Prime Minister’s Adviser and Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Thursday said the 2024 mass uprising succeeded through the united participation of people from all walks of life and democratic political parties.
Speaking as the chief guest at the Fruit Festival-2026 organised by Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), Mahdi paid tribute to the martyrs of the anti-authoritarian movement, including Abu Sayed and Wasim Akram, on the occasion of the historic 16 July.
He said students from Bangla and English medium schools, madrasas, colleges, and public and private universities, along with workers, farmers, rickshaw pullers, hawkers, expatriate Bangladeshis, women and people from all sections of society, played vital roles in the movement that led to the fall of what he described as a fascist regime.
Mahdi said the uprising sought to restore genuine democracy, equality and social justice, urging all citizens to work together to fulfill the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives.
He also said the BNP, now in government following what he described as a free and credible election, had been one of the main victims of political repression during the previous 16 years, claiming the party lost more than 400 activists during the uprising and over 140 members of its student wing.
Highlighting the role of expatriate Bangladeshis and social media activists, Mahdi said they helped mobilise international support and counter misinformation during the movement. He also praised the participation of women, particularly mothers, describing their courage as a powerful force behind the movement.
The adviser called for preserving national unity despite political differences, saying all democratic forces should continue working together to safeguard Bangladesh’s sovereignty, democracy and the rights of its people.
The event was chaired by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and attended by Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) Chairman Md Riazul Islam, DRU leaders and former office-bearers.
