NSU commemorates July Uprising martyrs through month-long programmes
North South University (NSU) held a series of commemorative programmes, including a remembrance ceremony, special prayers, an art competition and cultural performances, to mark the martyrs of the July Uprising 2024.
The initiatives aimed to inspire younger generations with the values of democracy, justice and human rights for which the martyrs sacrificed their lives, while fostering historical awareness, creativity and civic responsibility among students, according to a press release.
As part of the commemorative events, a special Dua Mahfil was held at the NSU Boys' Lounge after Zohr prayers on Wednesday (5 August), seeking eternal peace for the souls of those who lost their lives during the uprising.
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Faculty members, students, officers and staff attended the programme. NSU Boys' Lounge Imam Azmir Hossain conducted the prayers.
Participants also prayed for peace, progress and prosperity in Bangladesh, stressing that remembering history was not merely ceremonial but a collective responsibility.
The centrepiece of the commemorative programmes was the "July Uprising 2024 Remembrance Ceremony", held at the NSU Auditorium on 27 July.
Jointly organised by North South University and the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, the event brought together policymakers, academics, public representatives, faculty members, students and the wider community to honour the martyrs and reflect on the movement's significance.
The programme began with a one-minute silence for the martyrs, followed by special prayers, the national anthem and the July theme song.
A documentary on the July Uprising was screened during the programme. NSU faculty members and students who participated in the movement also shared their experiences and reflected on its significance and the responsibilities of future generations.
Political Adviser to the Chief Adviser and Adviser to the Ministry of Industries, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, attended the programme as the chief guest.
North South University Board of Trustees Member and Former Chairman Benazir Ahmed and National Citizen Party (NCP) Senior Joint Convener Samantha Sharmin attended as special guests.
NSU Liberation War Research Centre Director Professor Salimullah Khan presented the keynote paper.
July Shaheed Smriti Foundation Chief Executive Officer Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Kamal Akbar delivered a special address and presented a documentary on the uprising.
North South University Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury presided over the event, while Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Nasar U Ahmed moderated the session.
The cultural programme was a highlight of the ceremony. The North South University Sangskritik Sangathan performed patriotic songs and recited poetry, while the North South University Cine and Drama Club staged a special theatrical production based on the July Uprising.
Through music, poetry and drama, the performances portrayed patriotism, the sacrifices made during the uprising and the enduring values of humanity and resilience.
Continuing the commemorative initiatives, the North South University Art and Photography Club organised "Colours of Revolution 3.0" on Monday (3 August).
The art competition invited students to explore courage, sacrifice, transformation and the pursuit of freedom through paintings.
Photojournalist and photographer Sunil Kumar served as the judge. The organisers provided participants with the necessary art materials, allowing them to express their creativity and commemorate the spirit of the July Uprising through visual art.
