Two years on, Abu Sayed Memorial projects still stalled

Two years after Abu Sayed was killed during the July 2024 uprising, several memorial projects announced in his name—including a memorial gate, a martyrs’ museum and a residential hall—remain stalled, drawing frustration from his family, students and fellow protesters.

Thursday marked 730 days since the English department student of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, was shot dead during the quota reform movement.

Although the government and university authorities announced several initiatives to preserve his memory, none has made substantial visible progress.

The saplings planted beside his grave have grown and spread their branches, but time has done little to ease the grief of his father, Makbul Hossain, who often sits silently near his son’s resting place.

Abu Sayed, once the centre of hope for a low-income rural family, became one of the most recognisable figures of the July uprising.

For his family, however, his death has left a void that money, recognition or official promises cannot fill.

“People and the government may give us money or other support, but nothing can bring peace to my soul after losing my son,” his father said. “I only want to see the death sentences of his killers carried out.”

His mother said, “I lost my child. Everyone else may have seen their dreams fulfilled, but my son is no longer in this world. That will remain the sorrow of my life.”

During the interim government’s 18 months in office, political leaders and senior officials frequently visited Abu Sayed’s grave and met his family. However, many of the promises made during those visits remain unfulfilled.

Authorities announced plans to build a memorial gate and a “Martyrs’ Museum” at the entrance of Begum Rokeya University, where Abu Sayed was shot.

However, construction has yet to begin, even a year after officials laid the foundation stone.

A proposed residential hall named after him also remains stuck in administrative procedures.

The university organised an elaborate “Abu Sayed Book Fair” on the first anniversary of his death, but the event received far less attention in its second year.

Students have expressed anger over what they describe as the university’s failure to properly preserve the memory of one of the uprising’s most prominent figures.

“Rangpur has always faced discrimination,” one of Abu Sayed’s fellow protesters said. “The man who stood fearlessly against discrimination and gave his life is now being neglected on his own campus. This is unacceptable.”

Begum Rokeya University Vice-Chancellor Professor Shawkat Ali rejected allegations of negligence, blaming legal, administrative and tender-related procedures for the delays.

“The university administration alone cannot overcome all the legal and tender procedures,” he said. “We have repeatedly requested the University Grants Commission and the Education Ministry to approve the projects and allocate funds.”

He said the university expected to begin construction after completing the tender process.

The vice-chancellor also said the university had permanently dismissed teachers, officials and employees convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal in connection with Abu Sayed’s killing.

On July 16, 2024, Abu Sayed stood with his arms outstretched in front of Begum Rokeya University as police opened fire during the quota reform movement.

Images of his final stand spread beyond Bangladesh and became a symbol of resistance against authoritarian rule.

His fellow protesters said his sacrifice would continue to inspire future generations to stand against injustice.

They urged the government and university authorities to complete all projects announced in his memory without further delay.