Dr Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist, was overcome with emotion while speaking about Abu Sayeed, a young man who was shot dead by police in Rangpur during the recent movement.
The incident occurred during a media briefing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday afternoon.
Yunus, struggling to hold back tears, spoke about Sayeed’s bravery in the face of danger, recalling how he stood firm against the guns.
"Today, I remember Abu Sayeed. He is embedded in the hearts of each of us, and no one can forget him. What an incredibly brave young man he was, standing fearlessly in front of the gun. Since then, no youth has stepped back. They said, 'You can kill us, but we stand firm.' This courage is what spread the movement across Bangladesh, leading to our victory today. We must protect this hard-won freedom," Yunus said, his voice choked with emotion.
He stressed the importance of safeguarding the newfound freedom, saying, "This new freedom must be protected. Its benefits should reach every home; otherwise, it holds no value. The independence of Bangladesh should bring change for everyone."
Earlier in the day, Yunus returned to Bangladesh from France via Dubai. He was greeted at the airport by the chiefs of the three armed forces, coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement, and representatives of civil society.
Yunus is scheduled to be sworn in as the head of the interim government at 8:30pm tonight.