Remembering the Martyrs

The nation will observe July Shaheed Day today (Thursday) in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the July 2024 mass uprising that culminated in the fall of the Awami League government.

The day marks the anniversary of the death of Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, who was fatally shot by police on 16 July 2024 during the anti-quota movement.

In recognition of his sacrifice and those of others killed during the uprising, the government has officially designated 16 July as July Shaheed Day.

Special prayers will be offered at mosques and other places of worship across the country, seeking eternal peace for the souls of those who died during the movement.

In a message issued on the eve of the observance, President Mohammed Shahabuddin described the July mass uprising as an expression of the people’s long-standing frustration over discrimination, corruption, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, the denial of voting rights, repression and what he termed authoritarian rule.

Paying tribute to those who lost their lives, the President expressed profound respect and gratitude for their sacrifices.

He also remembered those injured during the uprising, particularly young people living with permanent disabilities, and conveyed his sympathy to the families of the victims.

“The sacrifices of the July martyrs remind us that the people are the ultimate source of state power. Ensuring their fundamental rights, dignity, interests and justice is the state’s foremost responsibility,” the President said.

He called on people of all political parties, opinions and ideologies to work together to build the Bangladesh envisioned by those who sacrificed their lives-one free from discrimination and founded on democracy, accountability, justice and social harmony.

The President also said the spirit of July should continue to inspire the nation in its pursuit of a humane, equitable, corruption-free and authoritarianism-free Bangladesh.