Khulna-4 lawmaker S K Azizul Bari spoke as a chief guest at Khulna District Shilpakala Academy auditorium. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Aug 5, 2026 (BSS) – July Mass Uprising Day was observed in Khulna on Wednesday with due solemnity and through a series of commemorative programmes under the theme, "Building the nation in the spirit of July, Bangladesh comes first."

The day's observance began with the laying of wreaths at the July Martyrs' Memorial in Shibbari by family members of the July martyrs and July fighters, representatives of the Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad, members of parliament, senior civil and police officials, Khulna City Corporation, Khulna Development Authority, Khulna WASA, district administration, educational institutions and political parties.

The programmes also included a voluntary blood donation campaign and a visit to the grave of July martyr Sheikh Sakib Raihan at Bosupara graveyard.

Later, a reception was accorded to the families of the July martyrs, the injured and July fighters at the Khulna District Shilpakala Academy auditorium, followed by a discussion meeting.

Khulna-4 lawmaker S K Azizul Bari attended the function as the chief guest, while Divisional Commissioner Md Abdullah Harun chaired the meeting.

Deputy Commissioner Hoore Jannat delivered the welcome address.

Among others, Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Sajjadur Rahman, Range DIG Md Mostafizur Rahman, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Tajul Islam, Khulna WASA Chairman Mohammad Moniruzzaman, father of martyr Sheikh Md Sakib Raihan Sheikh Azizur Rahman, government officials, families of the martyrs, those injured during the uprising, leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and political leaders were present.

Meanwhile, Khulna University observed the day through rallies, discussions, campus cleaning drives, newspaper clipping exhibitions, children's art competitions, prayers and cultural programmes.

A procession, joined by students, teachers, officers and employees, began from Odommo Bangla Square at 11:00 am and concluded at Hadi Square after parading through the campus.

Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Rezaul Karim said the movement, which began with the demand for quota reform, transformed into a one-point movement following what he described as unjust remarks by the then ruling authorities and violent attacks by law enforcement agencies.

He said the mass uprising on August 5 brought an end to the prolonged fascist rule in the country.