Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram on Wednesday said ensuring the welfare of the families of those martyred in the July Mass Uprising, along with the treatment and rehabilitation of the injured, is the present government's most important and sacred responsibility.
"The most important task of this government is to look after the families of those who made the supreme sacrifice in the July movement. This is our most sacred responsibility. It is also the government's sacred duty to provide treatment and rehabilitation to those who were injured or lost their eyesight or limbs," he said.
He made the remarks while addressing a reception and discussion for the families of the July martyrs and July fighters as the chief guest at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, marking July Mass Uprising Day 2026.
Describing the day as one inscribed in "golden letters" in the nation's history, Hafiz Uddin said it marked the victory of freedom-loving students and people who cherish democracy, justice and human dignity.
He said the mass uprising in July 2024 brought an end to prolonged autocratic and fascist rule, forcing those associated with the government to flee the country and opening a new chapter for Bangladesh.
The acting president paid profound tribute to the martyrs of the July Mass Uprising, including Abu Sayeed, Mugdha, Wasim, Yamin, Farhan, Nafiz, Sajal, Rabbi, Meraj, Elem, Taim, Naima, little child Riya Gope and Ahad, and prayed for the eternal peace of their souls. He said their sacrifices and patriotism would continue to inspire the nation.
Recalling the presence of a mother and her son who lost his eyesight during the movement, Hafiz Uddin said the sight deeply moved him.
"The young man lost his eyesight in the struggle to restore democracy and establish the rule of law. If they are not accorded due dignity and have to go from minister to minister even for their modest needs, it would be a matter of shame for the nation," he said.
Addressing the July fighters and the families of the martyrs, he said they should not lose hope, assuring them that the government would honor their sacrifices and do everything within its capacity for their welfare.
"I want to assure you that if this elected government makes any mistakes, you will bring them to our attention and we will correct ourselves," he said.
Referring to the Awami League, Hafiz Uddin said: "We are not like the Awami League and we do not want to be like them. Look at the Awami League; they have no remorse. Despite so much injustice, oppression, killings, enforced disappearances, money laundering, murder, torture and Aynaghar, they feel no shame."
He also referred to remarks about the party's possible return to the country.
"They again say they will return to the country in December. We are waiting. Come, return to the country. Inshallah, we will meet on the streets," he said.
Recalling his role in the 1971 Liberation War, Hafiz Uddin said: "I fought in the Liberation War at the age of 27. Now, at the age of 82, I will fight another one for Bangladesh and its people, to make good governance and democracy permanent."
He said few nations in the world have citizens who can stand before raised guns with both hands lifted like Abu Sayeed, adding that Bangladesh should take pride in such courage.
The Acting President said the July Mass Uprising had created an opportunity to rebuild the state, stressing that the national goal should now be to establish a democratic, justice-based and corruption-free Bangladesh where every citizen enjoys equal rights and dignity.
"Today we stand at the beginning of a new journey. This journey will not be easy. Differences of opinion will remain, but on issues of national interest, democratic values, and the country's independence and sovereignty, we must demonstrate unity, restraint and wisdom," he said.
He urged the nation to remain vigilant so that division, hatred and narrow interests do not obstruct national progress.
Calling on people to embrace the spirit of the July Mass Uprising, Hafiz Uddin urged citizens to strengthen unity, patriotism, honesty and mutual respect.
"Let us transform this new possibility, earned through the blood of the martyrs, into a firm commitment to build a new Bangladesh free from discrimination," he said.
Drawing a parallel between the Liberation War and the July Mass Uprising, he said both movements were fought to establish democracy.
Concluding his speech, the Acting President called upon every citizen to remain vigilant in safeguarding the dignity of Bangladesh.
Earlier, Hafiz Uddin presented crests to representatives of the families of the July martyrs and the July fighters.
The event was chaired by Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Aazam Khan. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain attended as special guests, while representatives of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizens Committee and senior government officials were also present.
Secretary of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs Md Ashraful Islam delivered the welcome address, while representatives of the families of the July martyrs and the July fighters shared their experiences and expectations.
The program began with the national anthem and recitations from the holy scriptures. A one-minute silence was observed in memory of the July martyrs, followed by the screening of a documentary on the July Mass Uprising.
