Dhaka: The foundation stone of the 'July Memorial', dedicated to the martyrs of the historic July 2024 student-people uprising, was laid today at Osmani Udyan in Dhaka. Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan officially laid the foundation stone during a ceremony this morning.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Shahjahan Mia and Local Government Division Secretary Md Rezaul Maksud Zahidi were present at the event. The DSCC is spearheading the Tk 46.40 crore project with funding from the Local Government Division. The initiative aims to honor the martyrs and uphold the spirit of the July uprising.
The memorial is set to be constructed on a circular podium at the heart of Osmani Udyan, featuring symbolic elements representing unity, sacrifice, and freedom. The structure will consist of eight rectangular perceived columns-four on each side-encircling a central circular main pillar that will rise 90 feet high. The memorial will have two entrances, each adorned with epitaphs engraved with commemorative inscriptions that honor the martyrs.
The entire memorial complex will be landscaped with Krishnachura and other native trees, symbolizing the spirit of sacrifice and resilience embodied by the martyrs. Speaking as the chief guest, Asif Mahmud, who is also the adviser to youth and sports, emphasized that the design and construction of the July Memorial reflect the utmost respect for the memory and history of the martyrs of the July uprising.
He addressed concerns about the project's budget, stating that such questions arise not from a concern for public accountability but from political motives. He contrasted this with past regimes, noting that the funds once spent on consultancy fees could now finance an entire project. He affirmed the government's commitment to preserving and transmitting the memory of the martyrs and heroes of the July uprising to future generations.
DSCC Administrator Md Shahjahan Mia highlighted that when others did not step forward to preserve the memory of the July uprising, the DSCC, under the leadership of the Local Government Adviser, took on the responsibility of constructing the memorial. He mentioned that piling work is nearing completion, with the entire construction expected to be finished by December this year.
The ceremony concluded with the adviser offering prayers for the martyrs and planting a medicinal tree. The event was attended by senior officials from the Local Government Division and DSCC, engineers involved in the project, journalists, and people from various sectors of society.