Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam spoke virtually at the inauguration of a week-long programme in memory of the July Uprising at the July Smrity Memorial Hall of the Chattogram Press Club today. Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, July 28, 2025 (BSS) – Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said although Dhaka played a leading role in the July Uprising, Chattogram was a stronghold of this revolution.

“Chattogram was our pride. Resistance against fascism was born from this city,” he said while virtually inaugurating the week-long programme in memory of the July Uprising at July Smrity Memorial Hall of Chattogram Press Club today.

Farida Khanam, convener of the interim committee of Chattogram Press Club and Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram said that respect for the July martyrs is not just a formality rather a lifelong commitment.

 “I will always support any brave initiative at the Chatogram Press Club. We want a Bangladesh where everyone is equal before the law, universities are place of free thinking, and the future of our children is determined based on merit and ability,’ she added.

Farida Khanam also said, “July signifies the month of losing loved ones. Those who were martyred could have held significant positions in this state; they could have been district administrators, doctors, engineers, teachers, or journalists. They were the frontline fighters of the July Movement.” 

The programme was moderated by the convener of the July Commemoration Sub-committee of the Chattogram Press Club Saleh Noman and member secretary Meah Mohammad Arif. 

The program was addressed by Shafiul Alam, father of martyr Wasim Akram,  Jamaat-e-Islami's Central Working Committee Member Shahjahan Chowdhury, city BNP joint convener Ahmedul Alam Chowdhury Russell, member secretary of the Chattogram Press Club, Zahidul Karim Kochi, vice-chancellor of Premier University, Professor SM Nasrul Kadir, the daily Peoples View Editor Osman Goni Monsure, General Secretary of Bangladesh Sommilito Peshjibi Parisad Dr Khurshed Jamil Chowdhury, chief organizer of NCP Chattogram, Emon Syed, former general secretary of South District BNP, Sheikh Md. Mohiuddin, among others.

At the programme, five members of the July martyrs’ families and 43 frontline fighters were presented with honorary mementos. Family members of Shaheed Wasim Akram, Shaheed Faisal Ahmed Shanto, Shaheed Mohammad Faruk, Shaheed Ishmamul Haque and Shaheed Omar Faruk were present on the occasion.

The five members of families of July martyrs and 43 frontline fighters were also presented with commemorative plaques.