The sacrifice of students during the July Uprising has set an example for building a transformed Bangladesh, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser for the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, has said.

She emphasised that the success of the movement lies in overcoming narrow mindsets and fostering an inclusive and unbiased nation.

“We envision a Bangladesh where democracy, rights, and equality thrive,” she said at the inauguration of a special exhibition on the July Uprising titled “July Awakening”, organised by Prothom Alo at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital on Friday.

She urged the nation to unite and make decisions based on collective welfare, beyond organisational, individual, or partisan interests.

She said, “The uprising demonstrates that the fall of oppressive autocracy is inevitable and always disgraceful. The events of July-August stand as a testament to the unmatched courage of our student community. The students led this movement, and we stood by them, offering support. We have stood by them for a long time and will continue to do so.”

Expressing deep sorrow, she added, “When we see the list of those killed and injured, it is heartbreaking to know that many students have lost their vision forever. Students who once dreamt of becoming cricketers or footballers are now left in darkness. No effort on our part can restore their sight.”

She further emphasised, “Our determination should be to build a democratic, inclusive, and safe Bangladesh where future generations can realise their dreams. Honouring those who sacrificed their lives is the true way to pay tribute to their memory.”

Rizwana Hasan noted that this event would preserve the evidence of the movement and ensure that its context and events are not distorted in the future. She concluded by saying.