Dhaka: The sacrifice of BUET student Abrar Fahad and the martyrs of the July uprising must serve as a guiding force for Bangladesh's youth, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam said today, calling for a renewed commitment to society, institutions, and the nation's moral values.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser was addressing the memorial discussion and inauguration programme of 'Eight Pillars Against Aggression' monument which was rebuilt and inaugurated today at the Palashi intersection, six years after it was demolished by fascist forces. The monument commemorates Abrar Fahad who was beaten to death by the now-banned Chhatra League men in 2019, and the martyrs of the July Uprising, symbolizing the nation's continued struggle against domination, aggression, and injustice.
Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam said Bangladesh's young generation stands as the nation's greatest source of strength and must now prepare to lead the country's next battles against domination, aggression, and all forms of injustice with a renewed sense of national commitment and moral vision. He emphasized the need for the youth to embody a festival of strength and prepare for future struggles.
Mahfuj Alam underscored the need for a shift in national thinking from state-centered politics to social transformation. He stressed the importance of confronting social crises, overcoming identity politics, and rebuilding trust through collective work. He called for institution-building both within and beyond the state and urged young people to enhance their individual capacity and contribute to education, health, and research.
He stated that the best tribute to the martyrs would be to translate their dreams into tangible realities by making the values of sovereignty, democracy, and human dignity a living practice. The adviser also emphasized environmental and resource protection as integral to national sovereignty, noting that many, including Abrar, became martyrs for this cause.
Mahfuj Alam expressed his confidence in the global leadership potential of Bangladesh's youth, predicting that such leadership will emerge from within the nation. Marking Abrar's sixth martyrdom anniversary, the memorial was inaugurated by Abrar's father Barkat Ullah at an event attended by various dignitaries, including National Citizen Party Member Secretary Akhter Hossain and other notable figures.