Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan laid the foundation stone of the 'July Memorial' at Osmani Udyan today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Oct 12, 2025 (BSS) – The foundation stone of the ‘July Memorial’, to be built in memory of the martyrs of the historic July 2024 student-people uprising, was laid today at Osmani Udyan in Dhaka.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan formally laid the foundation stone at a ceremony this morning.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Shahjahan Mia and Local Government Division Secretary Md Rezaul Maksud Zahidi were present at the event.

The DSCC is implementing the Tk 46.40 crore project with funding from the Local Government Division to honor the martyrs and uphold the spirit of the July uprising. 

The memorial will be constructed on a circular podium at the center of Osmani Udyan, featuring symbolic elements of unity, sacrifice, and freedom in its design.

The structure will include eight rectangular perceived columns—four on each side—surrounding a central circular main pillar rising 90 feet high. Two entrances will lead into the memorial, each adorned with epitaphs engraved with commemorative inscriptions honoring the martyrs.

The entire memorial complex will be landscaped with Krishnachura and other native trees, symbolizing the spirit of sacrifice and resilience of the martyrs.
Speaking as the chief guest, Asif Mahmud, also adviser to youth and sports, said, “The design and construction of the July Memorial reflect the utmost respect for the memory and history of the martyrs of the July uprising.”

He said, “Whenever any initiative regarding the July uprising begins, certain quarters raise questions about the budget. These questions do not stem from accountability to public funds but from political motives. There were no such questions when state resources were being misused under the previous authoritarian regime.”

The adviser further said, “The amount that was once spent merely on consultancy fees during the previous government’s tenure can now fund an entire project. Despite all obstacles, the government remains committed to preserving and passing on the memory of the martyrs and injured heroes of the July uprising from generation to generation.”

DSCC Administrator Md Shahjahan Mia said, “When no one came forward to preserve the memory of the July uprising, under the leadership of the Local Government Adviser, DSCC took up this proud responsibility of constructing the memorial.”

He informed that piling work is nearing completion and the construction will be finished by December this year.

At the end of the ceremony, the adviser offered prayers for the martyrs and planted a medicinal tree. Senior officials from the Local Government Division and DSCC, engineers involved in the project, journalists, and people from different walks of life attended the event.