Bangladesh
Shahabuddin Urges Uprooting Fascism, Realising Spirit of July Uprising
DHAKA, Aug 5 — Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has said ensuring justice for the families of those killed and injured in the historic July Uprising is the state’s “sacred duty,” pledging full commitment to fulfilling it.
In a statement marking July Uprising Day, the president recalled the 1970s movement as a united resistance by students, workers, and the public against a discriminatory and fascist regime. Its core aims, he said, were the restoration of democracy, empowerment of the people, and protection of freedom of expression.
He paid tribute to those who lost their lives and prayed for their souls, while honoring the sacrifices of those wounded, disabled, or blinded during the movement. He described the uprising as an eruption of public anger against long-standing deprivation, misrule, corruption, disappearances, killings, and the denial of voting rights.
Shahabuddin noted that the state is now undergoing a broad reform process aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of the uprising, with the goal of building a new Bangladesh founded on justice and equality. He called for uprooting fascism and fully realizing the spirit of July.
Due to rising water pressure caused by continuous rainfall and upstream flow, authorities at the Kaptai Lake in Rangamati began releasing water through 16 sluice gates on Wednesday (August 6) at 1:00 PM. Each gate is now releasing water at 2.5 feet, discharging approximately 49,000 cusecs per second into the Karnaphuli River.
Kaptai Hydropower Plant Manager Mahamud Hasan confirmed that the lake’s water level stood at 108.76 feet MSL by Wednesday noon, just below the danger mark of 109 feet. To ease the pressure, sluice gates were opened wider.
On Tuesday night, the gates were initially opened 6 inches, then extended by another foot later that night. As pressure continued to mount, they were further widened to 2.5 feet on Wednesday.
Some low-lying areas near the lake have already experienced flooding. Meanwhile, the hydropower station has activated 5 of its units, generating 220–222 megawatts of electricity using an additional 32,000 cusecs of water per second. The station’s total capacity is 230 MW.
The Office of the Chief Advisor has formally requested the Election Commission (EC) to take all necessary steps to hold the next general election before the start of Ramadan in February 2026.
The letter, dated Wednesday (6 August), was sent by Chief Secretary M. Siraj Uddin Mia to the Chief Election Commissioner, urging preparations for a free, fair, peaceful, and festive national election.
This move follows the declaration made by Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus during his national address on 5 August, in which he announced that elections should be held before Ramadan begins next year.
The letter emphasized the importance of making the upcoming polls a “celebration of democracy” after 15 years of electoral deprivation for citizens. It also highlighted the need for appropriate technological integration and reaffirmed the government’s full cooperation to ensure a credible and joyous electoral process.
Bangladesh’s interim chief adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has declared that the next national elections will be held in February 2026, before Ramadan. In a televised address marking the first anniversary of the mass uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Yunus urged citizens to commence both mental and institutional preparation starting immediately.
Yunus said, “I will send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner requesting the election be scheduled for February.” While April had been previously suggested, major political parties, particularly the BNP, had demanded an earlier timeframe. theguardian.com+15Arab News PK+15timesofindia.indiatimes.com+15
Describing the vote as a “festival like Eid,” Yunus appealed for widespread participation, especially from expatriate Bangladeshis, women and young voters. “Let us make the election a foundation for a ‘New Bangladesh’,” he said.
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