Education Adviser Prof. Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar today addressed the inauguration ceremony of the ‘July Movement Memory Museum’ at the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) building. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, July 21, 2025 (BSS) – Education Adviser Prof. Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar today said the nation is eternally indebted to the martyrs of July uprising (2024) as they have set us free from all sorts of deprivation.   

“Those who embraced martyrdom never thought of fleeing from their responsibilities…Rather, they fought tirelessly with all of their efforts to give us a fascism-free Bangladesh. I am deeply indebted to these martyrs,” he said.
 
The adviser made the remarks while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the ‘July Movement Memory Museum’ at the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) building here.

He said the martyrs did not aspire for long lives but for meaningful one and therefore, they are the most brave-children of the nation who even didn't think twice while sacrificing lives. 

“Their sacrifices inspired people and accelerated the movement to free the country from fascism,” he added.

The adviser urged the nation to preserve the glorious history of the July uprising. “Many memories of July are remained scattered across the country…we must gather and safeguard those,” he added.  

Thanking Dhaka University authority for taking steps for preserving the memories of the July Uprising, he said, “Even after 30 years from now on, when any student visits this museum, they will wonder why these young people sacrificed their lives. Then they will be able to understand.”

The adviser called upon the government to ensure justice for the martyrs and injured at any cost.

Speaking on the occasion DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan said, “We will not let the blood of those who loved this country be tainted by partisan politics. 

“Every movement in our history is interconnected. If anyone tries to distort these historical events, we will stand against it,” he said.  

Marking the event as a small step toward acknowledging the sacrifices of the martyrs and the injured one, he said, “It is the time to honor them and their families. We have started this initiative on a limited scale but will expand it in future.”

The discussion was attended by the convener of the July Movement Memory Museum Committee, Prof. Dr. Sayma Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Prof. Dr. M. Mamun Ahmed and Treasurer Prof. Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.  

Family members of martyrs, including Md. Abu Sayed, Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdha, Mohammad Farhanul Islam Bhuiyan (Farhan Faiyaz) and Md. Wasim Akram, were present during the inauguration of the museum and shared memories of their loved ones at the event.  

Mir Mostafizur Rahman, father of martyr Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mughdo said, "My son did not just distribute water and biscuits that day. He tried to prevent the police from taking the bodies of the deceased and hiding them. He made arrangements to provide medical care to the injured.”

Demanding a fair trial for his son, he said, “Mugdho was targeted and killed. We want a fair trial to be ensured for these killings. May the independence and sovereignty of the country remain intact...May no black paws fall on this country again.”

Martyr Abu Sayed’s brother Abu Hossain also spoke at the event. He said, "The sacrifices of martyrs inspired people to take to the streets. May the dream of a discrimination-free Bangladesh come true.”

He urged the government to take such arrangements where no one will have to take to the streets again with the demand of their right and sacrifice their lives.
 
The museum aims to preserve the history and sacrifices of the July uprising to ensure future generations remember the bravery and vision of those who fought for a free and just society.