Dhaka: State mourning was observed across the country in a befitting manner today on the occasion of July Martyrs’ Day. Marking the day, the national flag was flown at half-mast in all government, semi-government, autonomous establishments, and educational institutions of the country, including Bangladesh missions abroad. Special prayers were offered at mosques across the country after Zuhr prayers seeking eternal peace of the July martyrs, and similar prayers were held at other religious institutions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, special prayers were conducted at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque today after Zuhr prayers at 1:30 pm, organized by the Islamic Foundation. Khatibs, imams, and mosque committees also arranged special doa and munajat as instructed by the Islamic Foundation, as stated in a press release. On this occasion, Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus issued a message urging everyone to work collectively to utilize the opportunity created by the sacrifices of the July martyrs to build a new Bangladesh. He expressed deep respect for the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the July mass uprising to free the nation from tyranny.
A discussion was held at the Independence Memorial Square of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR), to commemorate the first martyrdom anniversary of Abu Sayeed and ‘July Martyrs’ Day 2025′. Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul spoke as the guest of honor with BRUR Vice-chancellor Professor Dr. Md Showkat Ali presiding over the event. Md Mokbul Hossain, father of the martyred Abu Sayeed, was present as the chief guest. Relatives of the 22 martyred families of Rangpur, including widows and parents, attended as special guests.
Water Resources and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan was also a guest of honor along with UGC Chairman Professor Dr. SMA Fayez, its member Professor Dr. Tanzimuddin Khan, and Education Ministry’s Senior Secretary Siddique Jobayer. Earlier, Vice-chancellor Professor Dr. Md Showkat Ali, along with the university’s teachers and officials, visited the grave of martyr Abu Sayeed to pay respects in Babanpur village. The grave site was filled with tears, grief, and respect as people gathered to honor his memory.
Upon returning to the university campus, participants wore black badges and organized a mourning rally with thousands of students, teachers, officials, and employees. Later, the two advisers, alongside other guests, laid the foundation stones for a Street Memory Stamp, martyred Abu Sayeed Gate and Museum, and the martyred Abu Sayeed Memorial Monument on campus. Additional events included a drawing competition and a dua and milad mehfil in the afternoon.
Various political, social, cultural, and professional leaders, along with students’ organizations, offered prayers and paid respect to the hero of the July Movement. The foundation stones for Shaheed Abu Sayeed Gate and Museum and Shaheed Abu Sayeed Memorial Monument were laid at BRUR, commemorating the first martyrdom anniversary of Abu Sayeed, who was killed in police firing on July 16, 204, during the anti-discrimination student movement. These installations aim to immortalize Abu Sayeed and honor the sacrifices made on July Martyrs’ Day-2025.
Abu Sayeed, a bright student from the Department of English at Begum Rokeya University, was martyred after being shot by police in front of Gate No 1 of the university. His death spurred a nationwide movement that eventually led to the fall of the Awami League regime on August 5 of that year.