Assalamu Alaikum,
Today, we commemorate the first month since Bangladesh achieved its second independence. Hundreds of students and people from all walks of life made the ultimate sacrifice for one of the most glorious revolutions in history.
They ended the 15-year tyrannical rule of the fascist Sheikh Hasina, under whose leadership a brutal genocide took place. Sheikh Hasina fled the country, leaving behind a corrupt state and a fragile economy. It is now our responsibility to restore Bangladesh to its full glory.
Today, I remember the brave young people, workers, laborers, and professionals who embraced death in their struggle against the heinous fascist forces. I also pay tribute to the journalists who were killed during the movement. I express my deepest respect to all those who became martyrs in this revolution.
I salute the thousands who were injured, those who were permanently disabled due to life-threatening injuries, and those who lost their sight.
Last month, when I was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the interim government, I accepted this duty, despite my limitations, inspired by the selfless sacrifice of Abu Sayeed, Mugdha, and all the known and unknown martyrs.
Our young revolutionaries have instilled a new dream of building a prosperous Bangladesh in the hearts of the people, and I am committed to making that dream a reality. Inspired by the martyrs' sacrifices, we aim to change the course of history and usher in a new era.
**My beloved youth,**
You pledged to realize your dreams. The dreams you painted on the walls of both cities and rural areas still stand before us in a vibrant display of colors.
During the revolution, you set aside your studies, spent sleepless nights in anxiety with your friends, and bid farewell to each other as you took to the streets to resist the cruel regime. After the revolution, you protected the religious minority communities and their places of worship, and took on the responsibility of managing traffic across the country. I understand that your studies have suffered greatly. Now, it is time to return to your education. Schools, colleges, and universities have reopened. I urge you to return to your classrooms and campuses because we need a well-educated and skilled generation to reap the benefits of the revolution.
It has been only a month since the interim government took office. Yet, despite this short time, we have initiated significant reforms to achieve the true goals of the revolution. Our first priority is to ensure justice and accountability for the killings that took place in July and August. We have invited the United Nations Human Rights Office to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the genocide. They have arrived and started their work.
Additionally, I have consulted top international legal experts about forming a tribunal to prosecute individuals accused of crimes against humanity during July and August. We also aim to extradite the murderers and recover the funds embezzled by corrupt politicians and bureaucrats during the era of dictatorship. Discussions with specialized institutions are already underway.
One of our primary responsibilities is to ensure free medical treatment for the thousands of people who were severely injured during the revolution. Countless young students lost their eyesight due to the rubber bullets fired at them by Hasina's thugs. We will do everything in our power to restore their sight. We are continuously working to create a comprehensive list of the martyrs and the injured. The main list has been compiled, and now we are gathering information about those whose bodies were taken to distant places. Hundreds of people who require long-term treatment due to their injuries, as well as the families of the martyrs, will be cared for by a foundation that is nearing completion. We will never forget those whose martyrdom gave birth to a new Bangladesh.
Recently, we signed the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. This marks our international commitment to ending the "culture of disappearances" that was established by the dictatorship. Separately, we are forming a commission to investigate every enforced disappearance that took place during the 15 years of fascist rule. To the families who have waited in agony for years to reunite with their missing fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers, we share in your pain.
The torture chambers have been shut down. Very soon, we will learn more about the suffering and agony endured by our brothers and sisters who were victims of enforced disappearances.
In my speech to the nation at the end of last month, I outlined the key reforms our government has undertaken so far. We have been continuously meeting with political parties, editors, business leaders, civil society figures, and diplomats. They have expressed support for our reform efforts. We are also overwhelmed by the immense support we have received from our foreign friends. Our brave and patriotic expatriates are also engaged in the efforts to rebuild the nation. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to them all.
On this solemn and poignant day, I express my infinite gratitude to the families of the martyrs and the injured individuals. I will invite every family of the martyrs to the capital, where I will meet them in the coming days. I want to assure them that we will never betray the dreams of the martyrs.
We are moving forward. Our greatest challenge now is to heal the wounds inflicted by the misrule and dictatorship. To do this, we need unity and coordination.
We pledge today that as a nation, we will not let the blood of the martyrs and the sacrifices of our injured brothers and sisters go in vain. We will not squander the opportunity they have created for us. On this day of remembrance, we renew our commitment to building the new Bangladesh that they dreamed of.
May Almighty Allah help us all.
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Professor Muhammad Yunus
Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, Bangladesh 
