Message by BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman on the Occasion of Historic July Martyrs' Day

Message

16 July marks Historic July Martyrs' Day. The nation observes the day with profound respect, mourning, and gratitude for the martyrs, while renewing its commitment to institutionalising democracy across all spheres of national life.

On this day in 2024, during the anti-fascist movement, Abu Sayeed, a student of the Department of English at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, Mohammad Wasim Akram, a college student in Chattogram, and at least four others were martyred after police opened fire on demonstrators. In Rangpur, Abu Sayeed stood fearlessly before the police with his arms outstretched, offering his chest in defiance. The image of him being shot by the police ignited widespread outrage among democracy-loving people across the country. What began as a movement demanding quota reform soon transformed into a nationwide struggle against fascist rule. The movement ultimately culminated in the historic mass uprising of students and citizens, forcing the authoritarian regime to flee the country.

I pray to Almighty Allah to grant eternal peace and forgiveness to Shaheed Abu Sayeed, Shaheed Mohammad Wasim Akram, and all those who embraced martyrdom on 16 July.

The events of 16 July represent an unforgettable turning point in our national history. On that day, unarmed yet courageous students and citizens stood firmly against state repression, the brutal use of lethal force, and politics driven by fear and intimidation. Their resistance awakened the conscience of the nation. In particular, the unforgettable image of Shaheed Abu Sayeed standing with his arms outstretched on the campus of Begum Rokeya University was more than a single moment—it became a powerful symbol of a nation overcoming fear in its struggle for democratic rights.

The July Mass Uprising was not merely a protest movement; it was the united resistance of the entire nation against more than fifteen years of fascism, institutionalised corruption, plunder, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, political repression, and the denial of voting rights. Through the sacrifices and determination of the people, Bangladesh regained the opportunity to restore its dignity, fundamental rights, and democratic aspirations. Two years after that historic uprising, our government remains firmly committed to honouring the sacred sacrifices of the martyrs.

I firmly believe that the blood of the martyrs can never be in vain. The immortal spirit of the July Mass Uprising is not only a source of pride in our history but also an enduring inspiration for building our future.

Through the glorious sacrifices of those who laid down their lives in the struggle to establish the rights of the people, Bangladesh has once again embarked on the path of democracy. We can honour their sacrifice by building a safe, humane, self-reliant, and democratic Bangladesh for all citizens. Once again, I pray to Almighty Allah for the eternal peace of all the martyrs and wish a swift recovery to those who were injured during the mass uprising.