Jahangirnagar University (JU) held a 'Red July' rally and reception at Zahir Raihan Auditorium to honor July Uprising 2025 martyrs. Photo : BSS.

JAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY, July 30, 2025 (BSS) - Jahangirnagar University (JU) on Tuesday paid tribute to the martyrs of the July Uprising by hosting a symbolic 'Red July' rally and a commemorative reception for their families and participating institutions.

The event commenced at 11:00 am at the seminar room of Zahir Raihan Auditorium, where university officials, teachers, students, and invited guests gathered to honor the fallen and reflect on the significance of the July uprising.

Addressing the programme, JU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor M Mahfuzur Rahman said the nation had endured systematic repression over the past 15 years, targeting those who dared to speak out.

"The July Uprising marked a turning point," he stated. "Forgetting the sacrifice of the martyrs or failing to uphold their ideals would be a serious injustice."

He also announced that several roads and university infrastructures would be renamed in honour of those martyred and injured during the movement. 

He expressed hope that the perpetrators of the 2024 attacks on students would soon be brought to justice.

The programme was chaired by Professor Dr Md Shamsul Alam, acting Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and convener of the '36 July Fall of Autocrat Hasina Day Observance Committee - 2025'.

JU Treasurer Prof Dr M Abdur Rab, acting Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences Prof Mafruhi Sattar, Proctor Prof Dr A K M Rashidul Alam and Controller of Examinations Prof Dr Saleh Ahammad Khan addressed the event, among others.

Marking the event, relatives of the martyrs shared heartfelt memories and spoke of their ongoing grief and pride. Representatives from educational institutions in the Savar region that had actively taken part in the movement also spoke, recalling their experiences during the uprising.

Additionally, crests of honour were presented to several local institutions in recognition of their support and sacrifice. A documentary film highlighting the stories of martyrs from the Savar region was screened during the event.

Earlier, at 10:30 am, a 'Red July' rally began from the campus Shaheed Minar. Participants, including JU teachers, students, officials and staff, as well as students and teachers from neighbouring educational institutions, marched to the 'Addomyo-24' monument wearing red cloths around their faces in symbolic protest.

JU's Students' Counselling and Guidance Centre earlier announced a week-long cultural festival, 'July Gatha', from July 28 to August 2 at the Selim Al Deen Muktamancha to commemorate the uprising.