Abu Sayed is in the hearts of all

In his first speech after arrival in Dhaka, Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday recalled Begum Rokeya University Student Abu Sayed and said he would remain in the hearts of all in Bangladesh forever, reports UNB.

"…Abu Sayed's image in the heart of every person in Bangladesh. No one will be able to forget it. The incredible courageous youth was standing in front of the guns," he said in emotion-choked voice while speaking to the media at the airport on his arrival from abroad.

He said after the death of Abu Sayed, no youth accepted defeat and started marching forward.

"They (youths) said how much bullets you would fire. We will not deviate from our pledge to disseminate the message in every houses so that people could know the meaning of the new independence," he said.

He mentioned that the meaning of new independence is the change of the individual, change of opportunity and future of their children. "They must receive what they deserve."

Prof Yunus said the youth folks have to realize that the future of the country is in their hands.

"You will build it that way what your heart desires, if you can liberate the country, you can also build it, from you the whole world will learn how the youths (of Bangladesh) can change a country," he said.

He said the old have to be leave. "This is true for the whole world, not only for Bangladesh and use your creativity," he said.

Abu Sayed was the first killed in police firing during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, was shot dead on July 16. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Amir Hossain and Constable Sujan Chandra Roy were suspended and attached to the police lines for their alleged involvement with this killing.

"If you have faith in me, if you have confidence in me, make sure nobody will be attacked. That would be our first task. If I cannot do this, if you don't listen to me, I don't need to be here. You must demonstrate that you are listening to me. Rescue the country from disorder and violence," said Dr Yunus.

He referred to the attacks, violence, destruction of property, including attacks on minorities, and said these are part of conspiracy but their job is to protect everyone.

"Violence and disorder are the biggest enemies towards progress. It is the biggest enemy of our journey that has just begun. Restoring law and order is our priority. Until law and order are restored, we cannot take steps to proceed," he said.

Dr Yunus said the revolution through which Bangladesh created a "second Victory Day" should be kept in front and strengthened while moving forward.

"Thanks to those who made it possible. It is our pledge that the new Bangladesh can move at a fast pace."

"This freedom has to reach every home, otherwise this freedom has no meaning; being free means change for everyone," Dr Yunus said.

He said the interim government's job is to carry out what the people have achieved.

"People do not trust the government, seeing it as an instrument of repression-something to be manipulated. The government cannot be like this, it must be something that will make people's hearts swell and be a place of trust," he added.