Prime Minister’s Adviser and Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin has said the 2024 mass uprising was made possible through the combined efforts of people from every section of Bangladeshi society alongside democratic political parties.
Speaking as the chief guest at the Fruit Festival 2026 organised by the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Thursday, Mahdi marked the significance of 16 July by paying tribute to those who lost their lives during the anti-authoritarian movement.
He remembered figures including Abu Sayed and Wasim Akram, describing their sacrifices as an important part of the country’s recent history.
Mahdi said the movement drew support from a broad cross-section of society.
According to him, students from Bangla and English-medium schools, colleges, madrasas and both public and private universities joined workers, farmers, rickshaw pullers, street vendors, women and Bangladeshis living abroad in a collective campaign that eventually brought an end to what he described as an authoritarian administration.
He said the movement was driven by demands for democracy, equality and social justice. Mahdi urged citizens to continue working together to realise the aspirations of those who lost their lives during the protests.
The adviser also referred to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), saying it had faced years of political repression before coming to power following what he described as a free and credible election.
He claimed the party lost more than 400 activists during the period of unrest, including more than 140 members of its student organisation.
Mahdi also acknowledged the contribution of Bangladeshis living overseas and social media campaigners, saying their efforts helped raise international awareness of developments in the country while challenging what he described as false information surrounding the movement.
He praised the participation of women, particularly mothers, saying their determination provided strength to the wider campaign.
Concluding his remarks, Mahdi called on political parties and citizens to maintain national unity despite differences of opinion.
He said democratic forces should continue working together to protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty, democratic institutions and the rights of its people.
The programme was chaired by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon. Among those attending were Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) Chairman Md Riazul Islam, alongside current and former leaders of the journalists’ organisation.
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