Nation must honour youth sacrifices, says Asif Nazrul

The "second chance" to build the nation, earned through the sacrifices of its youth, must not be wasted, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said today.

"The second opportunity to build the nation, which we have received through the sacrifices of our youth, must not be squandered in any way. This is our commitment on this Martyred Intellectuals' Day," he told reporters at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Dhaka's Mirpur."The second opportunity to build the nation, which we have received through the sacrifices of our youth, must not be squandered in any way. This is our commitment on this Martyred Intellectuals' Day," he told reporters at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Dhaka's Mirpur.

"The freedom fighters participated in the Liberation War driven by love for the country. The July mass uprising occurred as a continuation of that spirit," he said.

Asif Nazrul noted that during the July uprising, students fearlessly fought for democracy, people's rights, and the creation of a society free from discrimination.

"Coming to the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial today, I remember their bravery and sacrifice," he added.

He further expressed disappointment over the nation's failure to achieve the dream Bangladesh, blaming a particular mindset and the shortcomings of certain political leadership.

"Despite the sacrifices of many in 1971, we could not realise the dream of a prosperous and just nation. Let us not allow this failure to repeat," Asif Nazrul added, urging the country to honour the martyrs by working towards a democratic and inclusive society.

Press secretary stresses legacy of martyred intellectuals

Speaking to journalists after the tribute ceremony, Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, expressed profound respect for the martyred intellectuals and underscored their lasting legacy.

"The 'new Bangladesh' being actively built today is a continuation of their envisionment—an independent, forward-moving country for which they sacrificed their lives," he said.

"We saw in July the same situation as when the Pakistani forces took away intellectuals in 1971. Everyone saw how the six main student leaders were taken away," he added.