July Shaheed Day Thursday

July Uprising Day

Dhaka, July 15 - July Shaheed Day, commemorating those who were killed during the July 2024 uprising, which ultimately led to the fall of Awami League government, will be observed in the country on Thursday.

The day coincides with the killing of Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur who was shot to death by police in Rangpur during an anti-quota protest on July 16, 2024.

In recognition of the incident, the government has officially declared July 16 as “July Shaheed Day.”

Special prayers will be offered at all mosques and other places of worship across the country, seeking divine blessings for the departed souls.

Meanwhile, President Mohammed Shahabuddin has issued a message on the occasion, describing the July mass uprising as the outburst of people's long-standing anger against discrimination, corruption, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, denial of voting rights, repression and fascist misrule.

He recalled the contributions of all those who embraced martyrdom during the mass uprising and expressed deep respect and gratitude for their sacrifices.

The President also remembered with respect those who were injured in the movement, particularly young people who continue to suffer permanent disabilities, and conveyed sympathy to the families of the martyrs.

"The sacrifices of the July martyrs remind us that the people are the ultimate source of state power. Ensuring their fundamental rights, dignity, interests and justice is the state's foremost responsibility," he said.

Shahabuddin urged all to work together, regardless of party, opinion or ideology, to build the Bangladesh envisioned by the martyrs – a discrimination-free, democratic, accountable, just and harmonious state.

He said the spirit of July should inspire the nation to build a humane, authoritarianism-free, equitable and corruption-free state. - UNB