“On the occasion of the Historic Mass Uprising Day, I pay my deepest respects to the memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the mass movement of 1969 and all democratic struggles. I pray for the eternal peace of their souls.  

January 24 holds a unique place in our national history. On this day in 1969, after prolonged movements and struggles, students and the masses stood united against the oppressive colonial regime of then-Pakistan. The mass movement escalated into a mass uprising, leading to the inevitable fall of the military dictatorship. This pivotal event paved the way for our eventual independence. The primary aim of the mass uprising was to transition from autocracy to democracy, to restore multiparty political activities, promote diverse opinions and ideas, and reclaim the civic freedoms of the people.  

The significance of the mass uprising of 1969 in our national life is immense.  

On this momentous day, I urge the people to work together to ensure freedom, sovereignty, democracy, and the fundamental and human rights of all.  

Allah Hafez, Bangladesh Zindabad.”