Nation pays tribute to July martyrs

The nation on Thursday observed July Martyrs' Day with solemn tributes to Abu Sayed and others killed during the 2024 July uprising, as the government pledged to preserve their legacy through memorials, historical initiatives and continued support for victims' families.
The government also announced that Private University Resistance Day, originally scheduled for 18 July, will now be observed on 23 July because of the worsening flood situation. 
The rescheduled programme will honour the role of private university students in the uprising through exhibitions, cultural events and public commemorations.
The day commemorates Abu Sayed, the first martyr of the student-led quota reform movement, and all those who lost their lives during the protests, which later evolved into the one-point movement that led to the fall of the fascist Awami League government on 5 August 2024.
The national flag flew at half-mast at government, semi-government and autonomous offices, educational institutions and Bangladesh missions abroad. 
Special prayers were offered at mosques, temples, churches and other places of worship, including the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, for the departed souls of the martyrs and the speedy recovery of those injured during the movement.
The killing of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayed by police on 16 July 2024 marked a turning point in the quota reform movement. 
His final act of defiance became an enduring symbol of resistance. 
At least five more people were killed in Dhaka, Chattogram and Rangpur the same day, sparking nationwide outrage that fuelled the 36-day uprising. The government formally declared 16 July as July Martyrs' Day on 2 July this year.
In separate messages, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute to the martyrs.
The President called for united efforts to build the discrimination-free and equitable Bangladesh envisioned by those who sacrificed their lives.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman remembered those killed and injured during the movement, saying, "The 16 July is being observed as the historic July Martyrs' Day across the country with profound respect, mourning and gratitude for the martyrs, along with a renewed commitment to institutionalising democracy in every sphere of the nation."
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) tightened security nationwide, increasing patrols, strengthening intelligence surveillance, deploying plainclothes personnel and setting up additional checkpoints in coordination with other law enforcement agencies.

Private University Resistance Day
As part of the month-long July commemoration programme, private university students, in collaboration with the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, will observe Private University Resistance Day on 23 July.
Mahfuz Zakaria, founding president of the Private University Student Association of Bangladesh, told the Daily Sun that a major event is expected to be held at Dhaka's Army Stadium, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman likely to attend as chief guest and interact with victims of the movement.
He said the programme had been postponed because of the recent flash floods affecting different parts of the country.
The event will feature the national anthem, screenings of short films, performances of songs inspired by the July movement and a drone show. According to the organisers, films including “Heroes Without Capes: Private University in July”, “You Failed to Kill Abrar Fahad”, “July Woman” and “July Birgatha” will highlight the role of private university students during the uprising. Participants in the movement from private universities will also be honoured.

Memorials across the country
State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Engineer Ishraq Hossain said the government plans to establish memorials in every district, where feasible, to honour those killed, injured or permanently disabled during the July Mass Uprising.
Speaking after laying the foundation stone of the Shaheed Wasim Akram Memorial in Chattogram, dedicated to the city's first martyr of the uprising, he said similar initiatives would be taken nationwide.
"We will never forget those who lost their lives, were injured, suffered permanent disabilities or lost their eyesight during the bloody July Mass Uprising of 2024," he said, adding that the uprising was driven by the aspiration to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh.

Health minister's tribute
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain said the sacrifices of Abu Sayed and countless others had paved the way for Bangladesh's return to democracy after nearly 15 years of authoritarian rule.
Addressing a discussion at the Health Ministry, he pledged continued support for the families of the martyrs and those injured, saying the uprising was the culmination of years of political struggle against repression and injustice. 
He described Abu Sayed's courage as a lasting symbol of resistance and reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to standing beside those affected by the movement.
Health Secretary Md Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, who chaired the programme, said ensuring quality healthcare for all would be a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made by the July martyrs.