Staff Reporter :
The nation on Wednesday observed mourning of the July Martyrs’ Day with solemn dignity and deep respect, commemorating those who laid down their lives during the historic July Uprising.
As part of the observance, the national flag was flown at half-mast across all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, and educational establishments, including Bangladesh missions abroad.
Special prayers were offered in mosques nationwide following Zuhr prayers, seeking eternal peace for the July martyrs. Similar prayers and services were held in temples, churches, and other places of worship, reflecting the collective grief and unity of the nation.
At the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, special prayers were arranged by the Islamic Foundation at 1:30 PM. Khatibs, imams, and mosque committees across the country joined in offering doa and munajat, following the Foundation’s directive.
On the occasion, Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus issued a heartfelt message, calling on all citizens to honor the martyrs’ sacrifice by working together to seize the opportunity their courage created for building a new Bangladesh.
“On this day, I remember with deep respect all the martyrs who gave their lives in the July mass uprising to free the nation from tyranny,” he said.
“July 16, 2024, stands as a milestone in the struggle of students, workers, and ordinary citizens against oppression and injustice.”
At Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR), a commemorative discussion was held at the Independence Memorial Square, marking both the first martyrdom anniversary of Abu Sayeed and July Martyrs’ Day 2025.
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul spoke as guest of honor, with Vice-Chancellor Dr. Md Showkat Ali presiding.
Md Mokbul Hossain, father of martyr Abu Sayeed, attended as chief guest. The event was graced by families of 22 martyrs from Rangpur, including bereaved parents and widows, as special guests.
Adviser for Water Resources, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Syeda Rizwana Hasan, UGC Chairman Dr. SMA Fayez, UGC Member Dr. Tanzimuddin Khan, and Senior Secretary Siddique Jobayer also participated.
Earlier in the day, the Vice-Chancellor and university officials visited the grave of Abu Sayeed in Babanpur village, where a moving scene unfolded.
In the silence of dawn, the area around his resting place echoed with the tears, grief, and reverence of family, teachers, students, administrators, and political figures-each holding flowers, each remembering.
Returning to campus, they wore black badges and led a mourning procession, joined by thousands of students, faculty, and staff-an expression of united mourning and resistance.
In a symbolic tribute, foundation stones were laid for the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Gate and Museum, a Street Memory Stamp, and the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Memorial Monument-all intended to immortalize his legacy and the cause he died for.
The day’s events also featured a drawing competition and a milad and doa mahfil, drawing wide student and public participation.
Political and social forces across the spectrum, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Chhatra Shibir, Chhatra Dal, NCP, AB Party, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Democratic Student Parliament, and other student and civil society groups, paid tribute through prayers and floral offerings-acknowledging Abu Sayeed’s role in catalyzing history.
These memorials and gatherings honor Abu Sayeed, who was killed by police gunfire in front of Gate No. 1 of BRUR on July 16, 2024, during a peaceful protest led by students demanding an end to systemic discrimination.
His martyrdom sparked a nationwide movement that quickly evolved into a full-fledged uprising.
Within weeks, the movement shook the foundations of the status quo, culminating in the fall of the fascist Awami League regime on August 5.
The installations inaugurated today stand as enduring symbols of that turning point-a tribute to the brave who bled for change and a reminder that their dreams must never again be caged.
