Khulna: Students, teachers, officers, and employees of Khulna University (KU) observed a day-long series of programs to commemorate the first martyrdom anniversary of Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho. Mugdho, a former student of the Mathematics Discipline at KU, was fatally shot by police at Uttara Azampur during a clash between police and the Anti-Discrimination Students Movements. He was distributing drinking water during the incident.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mugdho's death galvanized the anti-fascist movement in the capital and across the country. The anniversary was marked by a series of events to honor his sacrifice and those who lost their lives in the historic movement. A memorial meeting titled "July Uprising and Tribute to Shaheed Mir Mugdho" was held at the university's Liaquat Ali Auditorium.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim addressed the gathering as the chief guest. Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Harun-or-Rashid Khan and Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Nurunnabi spoke as special guests. Director of Student Affairs Professor Dr. Md. Nazmus Sadat presided over the event, while the welcome speech was delivered by Professor Dr. Md. Azmal Huda, Head of the Mathematics Discipline.
Speakers at the meeting emphasized the significance of the July Uprising, which emerged from a strong desire for change and escalated into a mass movement claiming numerous lives. They reiterated that the martyrs sacrificed for a new and just Bangladesh, urging the nation to fulfill that vision. Mir Mugdho's martyrdom was highlighted as a source of inspiration for Bangladesh's youth.
The university has taken steps to preserve Mugdho's memory and has recognized July 18 as "Shaheed Mir Mugdho Day," a designation approved by the university syndicate. Acting Dean of the School of Law Professor Sheikh Mahmudul Hasan, Professor Dr. Md. Yasin Ali from Agrotechnology, Professor Dr. Md. Ashiqur Rahman from Urban and Rural Planning, and Assistant Professor Abul Bashar from History and Civilization were present.
Student activists from the July Uprising, including Minhazul Abedin Shompod, Al Shahriar, Ayman Ahad, Syed Md. Rumman, and Shamim, shared their experiences. General Secretary of the Officers' Welfare Association SM Mohammad Ali also addressed the gathering.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor inaugurated two commemorative installations: the Shaheed Mir Mugdho Memorial Corner and the Shaheed Mir Mugdho Water Corner in the Mathematics Discipline, with participation from faculty, students, and staff. A special prayer session was held at the university's Central Jame Mosque and later at the university temple for the souls of Mugdho and other martyrs, attended by members of the university's Hindu community.