Chattogram: Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that although Dhaka played a leading role in the July Uprising, Chattogram was a stronghold of this revolution. ‘Chattogram was our pride. Resistance against fascism was born from this city,’ he said while virtually inaugurating the week-long programme in memory of the July Uprising at July Smrity Memorial Hall of Chattogram Press Club today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Farida Khanam, convener of the interim committee of Chattogram Press Club and Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram, emphasized that respect for the July martyrs is not just a formality but a lifelong commitment. She expressed her support for any brave initiative at the Chattogram Press Club and shared her vision for a Bangladesh where everyone is equal before the law, universities are places of free thinking, and the future of children is determined based on merit and ability.
Farida Khanam also highlighted the significance of July, describing it as the month of losing loved ones. She noted that those martyred could have held significant positions, serving as district administrators, doctors, engineers, teachers, or journalists. They were the frontline fighters of the July Movement.
The programme was moderated by Saleh Noman, the convener of the July Commemoration Sub-committee of the Chattogram Press Club, along with member secretary Meah Mohammad Arif. Shafiul Alam, father of martyr Wasim Akram, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Central Working Committee Member Shahjahan Chowdhury, city BNP joint convener Ahmedul Alam Chowdhury Russell, and other notable figures addressed the gathering.
During the event, five members of the July martyrs’ families and 43 frontline fighters were honored with commemorative plaques. Family members of Shaheed Wasim Akram, Shaheed Faisal Ahmed Shanto, Shaheed Mohammad Faruk, Shaheed Ishmamul Haque, and Shaheed Omar Faruk were present on the occasion.