Arson Attack on the country’s first July Martyrs Memorial

An arson attack was carried out on the country’s first July Martyrs Memorial in the Hajiganj area of Narayanganj city early Tuesday, prompting police to launch an investigation and examine CCTV footage to identify those responsible.

According to police, the incident occurred at around 3:00am on July 21. Officers stationed at the memorial’s security camp responded immediately and brought the fire under control before it could spread.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Fatullah Model Police Station Mohammad Mahbub Alam said decorative fabric installed around the memorial for a tribute programme held on July 16 caught fire after someone allegedly threw a burning piece of cloth from a distance.

He said the blaze was limited and caused no major damage.

A video circulating on social media shows police officers rushing to extinguish the fire.

The OC also claimed that some videos shared online exaggerated the extent of the incident using AI-generated or AI-enhanced visuals. However, the identities of those involved and the motive behind the attack have yet to be confirmed.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Tarek Al Mehdi said investigators are collecting CCTV footage from nearby roads and surrounding areas while recording statements from police personnel who were on duty at the time.

“We are working to identify those responsible and bring them to justice as quickly as possible,” he said.
Responding to speculation over possible political involvement, the police official said it was too early to determine whether any members of the Awami League or its affiliated organisations were linked to the incident, adding that no conclusions would be drawn before the investigation is completed.

The July Martyrs Memorial, located on the Chashara-Adamjee Road in Hajiganj, was built in memory of those killed during the July-August 2024 student-led mass uprising. It was inaugurated on July 14, 2025, in the presence of five advisers of the then interim government, becoming the country’s first memorial dedicated to the July martyrs.

Since then, similar memorials have been established in several districts, bearing plaques with the names of those who lost their lives during the uprising. A temporary police camp has remained at the Narayanganj memorial since its inauguration to ensure its security.