Khulna: Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Administrator Md Firoz Sarkar today paid tribute to the martyrs and injured of the historic July Uprising, emphasizing their sacrifices as a foundation for building an egalitarian and discrimination-free Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at a rally marking the July Mass Uprising Day, Sarkar, who also serves as the Khulna Divisional Commissioner, highlighted the necessity to uphold the uprising’s spirit by striving for a society where equal rights and harmonious relations prevail.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the rally, organized by KCC, commenced at Zia Hall premises with the release of balloons and pigeons, was led by Sarkar, and concluded at Shaheed Hadis Park. Sarkar praised the courage of students and the public who resisted the oppressive regime, urging everyone to unite in realizing the hopes and dreams inspired by the historic uprising.
The event saw addresses from Khulna DIG Md Rezaul Haque, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam, and Sheikh Md Azizur Rahman, father of ‘July Uprising’ martyr Sheikh Md Sakib Raihan. Md Moniruzzaman Rahim, Senior Licensing Officer of KCC and convener of the rally organizing sub-committee, conducted the proceedings.
Attendees included Professor Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Ameer and Advocate Sheikh Jahangir Hossain Helal, General Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Khulna City Committee; Mufti Amanullah, President of Islami Andolan Bangladesh Khulna Unit; Ahmed Hamim Rahat, Organizer of National Citizen Party (NCP); Sohel Munir, Coordinator of Ganosanghati Andolon Khulna; student representatives Sirajul Islam Emon and Md Naeem Islam; Sheikh Ashraf Uz Zaman, President of Greater Khulna Development Action Coordination Committee; Md Nasir Uddin and Mahbubur Rahman Khokon of ‘Amra Khulnabasi’; Sardar Abu Taher of ‘Amra Brihattor Khulnabasi’; and Sharif Asif Rahman, Acting CEO of KCC.
The event was also attended by families of those killed or injured during the July uprising, leaders of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, journalists, officials from government and non-government organizations, political party representatives, and teachers and students from KCC-run educational institutions.