Today marks historic July Martyrs’ Day
On this day in 2024, at least six people were killed during the anti-fascist movement.
Today, 16 July, marks July Martyrs' Day, commemorating a pivotal moment in Bangladesh's history.
On this day in 2024, at least six people were killed during the anti-fascist movement, including Abu Sayed, an English department student at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, who was shot by police, and Mohammad Wasim Akram, a college student in Chattogram.
Images of police shooting Abu Sayed in the chest sparked widespread public outrage and transformed the quota reform movement into a broader campaign against the then government's rule. The movement ultimately culminated in a mass uprising that forced the authoritarian regime to flee the country.
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The day is being observed across the country with tributes to the martyrs, remembrance of their sacrifices, and renewed pledges to institutionalise democracy in all spheres of national life. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages marking the occasion.
In his message, President Shahabuddin paid tribute to those injured during the movement, noting that many young protesters continue to live with permanent disabilities. He also expressed sympathy for the families of the martyrs and thanked all participants in the July uprising for their sacrifices.
He described the July uprising as an eruption of public anger against years of inequality, corruption, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, suppression of voting rights and authoritarian rule. "The July uprising was not the achievement of any individual, party or group; it was the collective aspiration, courage and sacrifice of people committed to democracy," he said, adding that the martyrs' sacrifices reaffirmed that the people are the ultimate source of state power.
In a separate message, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman described 16 July as an unforgettable turning point in the nation's history. He said the unarmed but courageous resistance of students and citizens against state repression and deadly force awakened the nation's conscience.
He particularly recalled the image of Abu Sayed standing with his arms outstretched before being shot at Begum Rokeya University, calling it a symbol of a nation overcoming fear in its struggle for democratic rights.
The prime minister said the July uprising represented the united resistance of the Bangladeshi people against more than 15 years of authoritarianism, institutional corruption, plunder, enforced disappearances, killings, repression and the denial of voting rights. He said the sacrifices of the martyrs had enabled the country to reclaim its dignity, rights and democratic aspirations.
He added that the government remains committed to honouring the martyrs' sacrifices by building a safe, humane, self-reliant and democratic Bangladesh where the rights of all citizens are protected.
