Citizens long denied voting rights under the previous regime: CA

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus Highlights Long-Standing Deprivation of Voting Rights

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus stated today that the people had long been deprived of their voting rights during the previous Awami League regime.

"...A just society has yet to be established in independent Bangladesh. For an extended period, the people have been denied their voting rights," he remarked while presenting the Independence Award-2025 to seven distinguished individuals at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium.

Professor Yunus further asserted that a culture of fascism had taken root in the country through corruption, looting, enforced disappearances, and killings.

Reflecting on the night of March 25, he said, "Today is March 25, a night of massacre that remains a dark stain in the history of human civilization."

He recalled how, on this night in 1971, Pakistani occupation forces mercilessly opened fire on sleeping, unarmed Bengalis, killing thousands. Following this, he noted, the people of Bangladesh launched an armed resistance against Pakistani forces, ultimately securing independence through a nine-month-long war.

On this occasion, he paid tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters who participated in the war of independence.

Professor Yunus emphasized that the goal of the 1971 liberation struggle was to establish a just society—one governed by the rule of law, where basic human rights were protected, and social discrimination was eradicated.

He also paid homage to those who sacrificed their lives during the July Uprising, saying, "Their sacrifices have given us the opportunity to dream of building a new Bangladesh. We will not let this opportunity go in vain."

Highlighting the remarkable achievements of the Independence Award-2025 recipients, he stated that this year, the interim government posthumously honored six eminent individuals for their outstanding contributions to the nation.

He described them as great sons of the soil, citing Professor Jamal Nazrul Islam as a globally renowned scientist whose work was widely recognized.

Professor Yunus also praised Al Mahmud as one of the most influential poets of modern Bangla literature, whose poetry inspired countless writers and readers.

He further acknowledged the contributions of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, the founder of BRAC—the world's leading non-governmental development organization. He noted that Abed established BRAC by selling a flat in London, and today, the organization plays a crucial role in improving the lives of marginalized communities.

The Chief Adviser expressed happiness in conferring the state award on writer and intellectual Badruddin Umar, adding that a replica of his award will be placed in the National Museum to inspire future generations.

He also honored the contributions of Azam Khan and Novera Ahmed, describing Novera as the pioneer of modern sculpture in East Bengal and Azam Khan as the "emperor of Bangla pop music" who inspired youth through his songs during the Liberation War.

Professor Yunus further mentioned BUET student Abrar Fahad as an inspiration for Gen-Z, recognizing his role in leading the July mass uprising. Abrar was tragically killed by terrorists while fearlessly advocating for justice and freedom of speech. "We are proud to honor him with this state award," he added.

He lamented that many award recipients could not witness this recognition in their lifetime, calling it a painful reality. However, he expressed gratitude for their invaluable contributions and prayed for their eternal peace.

Extending his best wishes to the families of the honorees, he said, "We take pride in bestowing this recognition and honor upon them." He concluded by stating that their legacy will continue to inspire generations of young people.