Dhaka: Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) today observed the first martyrdom anniversary of Abu Sayeed, the pioneer and first martyr of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, alongside the July Martyrs’ Day-2025, with due dignity.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Vice-chancellor Professor Dr. Md Showkat Ali visited the grave of Shaheed Abu Sayeed in Babanpur village of Pirganj upazila this morning. The visit was attended by Abu Sayeed’s father, brother, fellow soldiers of the July Revolution, injured students, and a gathering of teachers, students, officials, and employees of the university.
Following the visit, a massive mourning rally was organized on campus and in its adjoining areas. The day also saw the laying of foundation stones for several commemorative structures: the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Gate, Museum and Street Memory Stamp, and the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Memorial Monument. Key figures such as Abu Sayeed’s father Md Mokbul Hossain, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul, and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan were present for the ceremonies.
The event was attended by UGC Chairman Professor Dr. SMA Faiz, its member Professor Dr. Tanzimuddin Khan, and Senior Secretary to the Ministry of Education Siddique Jobayer, along with members of 22 families of the martyrs of Rangpur. A discussion was later organized at the Independence Memorial Square, chaired by Vice-chancellor Professor Dr. Md Showkat Ali, with Abu Sayeed’s father addressing the gathering as the chief guest.
Md Mokbul Hossain called for accountability in Abu Sayeed’s murder case, demanding those responsible be identified and punished. Family members of the martyrs shared their thoughts on the July Movement, while guest of honor Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul praised Shaheed Abu Sayeed’s ideals for truth and justice. He assured that the murder trial is progressing well and is expected to conclude during the interim government’s tenure.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, another guest of honor, highlighted the lasting impact of Abu Sayeed’s sacrifice against societal inequalities in Bangladesh. UGC Chairman Professor Dr. SMA Faiz commended the symbolic importance of Abu Sayeed’s self-sacrifice for national self-awareness, acknowledging his leadership as an inspiration for the student community.
The event also featured speeches by the convener of the July Martyrs’ Day Celebration Committee Professor Dr. Md Tajul Islam, Registrar Dr. Md Harun-or Rashid, and fellow students of Abu Sayeed. Commemorative mementos were presented to the 22 family members of the martyrs, and the cover of a commemorative book was unveiled. Two documentaries on Abu Sayeed’s contributions to the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement were screened.
The day was marked by the national flag being hoisted at half-mast and a variety of programs, including blood donation drives, art exhibitions, competitions, and religious gatherings, to honor the July Martyrs’ Day.