Khulna observes July Martyrs’ Day

July Martyrs’ Day-2026 was observed across Khulna on Thursday with tributes, discussions and prayers commemorating those who lost their lives during the July Movement.

Family members of the July martyrs, participants in the movement, representatives of the Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad’s district and city units, senior civil and law enforcement officials, and political leaders paid floral tributes at the Shibbari Martyrs’ Memorial.

Among those who laid wreaths were Divisional Commissioner Md Abdullah Harun, Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Md Mostafizur Rahman, Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Hasan, Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hure Jannat, Superintendent of Police Md Tajul Islam, Khulna Development Authority (KDA) Chairman Md Moniruzzaman Moni, and Khulna WASA Chairman Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona, along with officials from various government agencies.

A discussion and prayer programme was later held at the Khulna District Shilpakala Academy auditorium, with Khulna-1 lawmaker Amir Ejaz Khan attending as the chief guest.

Addressing the programme, the MP said the government was implementing the commitments outlined in the July Charter and working in line with the mandate reflected in the referendum.

He said no mass movement in Bangladesh had emerged overnight, adding that years of repression, political persecution and anti-people activities had eventually driven citizens to the streets.

He said the July Movement had paved the way for broader democratic participation, enabling elected representatives to serve both in government and the opposition while exercising freedom of expression.

Discussion and constructive criticism, he added, are essential features of a democratic state and a healthy political culture.

The lawmaker offered prayers for the departed souls of those killed during the July Movement and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

He also said the state would ensure due recognition and financial support for the martyrs, the injured and all verified participants in the movement.

The programme, chaired by Divisional Commissioner Md Abdullah Harun, was attended by Range DIG Md Mostafizur Rahman, Police Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Hasan, Deputy Commissioner Hure Jannat, Superintendent of Police Md Tajul Islam, Khulna Development Authority Chairman Md Moniruzzaman Moni, Sheikh Azizur Rahman, father of martyr Sheikh Md Sakib Raihan, and Professor Mahfuzur Rahman, ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Khulna city unit.

Officials from different government departments, family members of those killed in the July uprising, leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and representatives of political parties were also present.

Special prayers were offered at mosques across the city, while temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship held services in memory of the victims.

Educational institutions also organised discussions and prayer programmes marking the occasion.