BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today said the July fighters fought collectively to achieve democracy and fair rights and no one did anything individually.

"This unity is our strength," she told this at a function marking the `July Uprising Anniversary Celebration` at the Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST).

Expressing gratitude to all the injured and participants, adviser said, "I salute you. We have got this day today because of your bravery."

Addressing the student community, she said, "You have saved the country, this is very important. Democracy was not given to us by anyone. It is the fruit of your voice. We have to show respect to that voice."

She also said, "I myself was with the student community on the streets during the movement through the `Khuddho Nari Samaj` platform."

AUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Ashraful Haque chaired the event while AUST Chairman Professor Dr. Golam Rahman, Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Muh. Mahbubur Rahman spoke as special guests, while AUST students Shafi Ahmed Ullah, Arefin Faisal Alvi, Touhid Hasan Rimon, Mostakim Billah Shrestho spoke on behalf of the July fighters.

Later, the adviser handed over prizes to the winners of the photography competition on the occasion of the anniversary of the July uprising.