Photo : DC office

DHAKA, July 16, 2026, (BSS) - Dhaka district administration today paid profound tribute to the martyrs of the July-August mass uprising by placing wreaths at the Rayerbazar July Martyrs mass grave, marking the historic ‘July Martyrs Day’.

To mark the significance of the day and honour the memory of the martyrs, the district administration organised a wreath-laying ceremony, special prayers and munajat.

The programme was attended by the Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ahmed Azam Khan, secretary Md. Ashraful Islam, divisional commissioner of Dhaka division Md. Moniruzzaman, Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam, senior government officials, officials from different levels of the administration and distinguished citizens.

Special prayers and munajat were offered, seeking eternal peace for the souls of the martyrs. Prayers were also offered for peace, prosperity and the establishment of a just state in the country.

Speakers at the programme said July 16, 2024, remains an unforgettable day in the history of Bangladesh.

On that day, they said, Shaheed Abu Sayeed, a courageous student of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, set a shining example of sacrifice by standing fearlessly against injustice and discrimination, which later became an inspiration for the mass uprising. 

His sacrifice, they said, marked not only a movement but also the beginning of a new chapter in the struggle for justice, democracy and the rights of the people.

Speaking on the occasion, Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam said July Martyrs Day holds profound significance in the national life.

“We not only remember the martyrs on this day, but also draw fresh inspiration from their ideals and sacrifice,” she said.

The deputy commissioner said the martyrs of the July-August movement had envisioned a discrimination-free, just and humane Bangladesh, and everyone must play a responsible role from their respective positions to realise that vision.

She said, “The sacrifice of the martyrs can never be in vain. The only way to repay the debt of their blood is to work tirelessly to establish the rule of law, good governance, human values and the rights of the people. It is our moral responsibility to pass on the history of the July movement, the sacrifices of the martyrs and the spirit of democracy to the new generation.”

The deputy commissioner added, “The Dhaka district administration remains committed to preserving the memory of the martyrs, observing national days with due dignity and presenting the history of the Liberation War and democratic movements to the new generation. To pay genuine tribute to the martyrs, we must play an active role in nation-building as responsible citizens.”

The guests observed a one-minute silence in memory of the martyrs and paid deep respect to their sacrifice. Representatives of various government offices and institutions also placed wreaths in phases.

The programme concluded with special prayers and munajat seeking eternal peace for the souls of all the martyrs of the July-August movement.

Prayers were also offered to Almighty Allah for lasting peace, continued development, the growth of democracy and the establishment of a discrimination-free Bangladesh.