Cumilla: LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain today declared July 11 as the first resistance day of the 2024 mass uprising. He highlighted the significance of this day in a memorial meeting held at Cumilla University, commemorating the police attack that occurred last year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Asif Mahmud stated that the first blood of the 2024 mass uprising was shed at Cumilla University on July 11. On that day, police launched an unprovoked attack on students, leading to a fierce resistance. The students organized a blockade of the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, which lasted until 11 pm, playing a crucial role in fueling the nationwide movement that followed.
During the memorial meeting, Asif Mahmud expressed hope that Cumilla University students would continue to stand for truth and justice. Responding to the students' demands, he announced the donation of three buses for the university.
The event was presided over by the university's Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Haidar Ali, with Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Masuda Kamal attending as a special guest. Other notable attendees included Treasurer Professor Dr. Mohammad Solaiman, Proctor Professor Dr. Abdul Hakim, Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Amirul Kaisar, and Superintendent of Police Najir Ahmed Khan.
During the 2024 mass uprising, the first police assault on protesters during the 'Bangla Blockade' program occurred at Cumilla University on July 11. Around 20 students were injured as police opened fire, lobbed tear gas shells, and carried out baton charges on the demonstrators.
News of the police attack spread quickly, igniting anger among students nationwide. The incident triggered protests across the country, including in Dhaka, where demonstrators condemned the police actions.
In a significant display of resistance, general students from all residential halls of Cumilla University took to the streets and blockaded the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway. The highway remained at a standstill for nearly eight hours due to the students' efforts.