Photo: Collected

DHAKA, July 17, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Embassy in Athens has observed 'July Martyrs' Day 2026' with due solemnity, paying profound tribute to those who laid down their lives during the 2024 July Uprising.

The programme, held at the embassy on Thursday, brought together diplomats, academics, journalists, members of the Bangladeshi community and distinguished Greek guests to honour the martyrs and reaffirm the shared values of democracy, justice and sacrifice, said a press release here today.

Chairman of the Greece-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group Georgios Kotsos, who attended the event as the special guest, highlighted the growing strength of Greece-Bangladesh relations and stressed the importance of democratic values in further deepening bilateral ties.

Rector of the Athens School of Fine Arts Professor Dr. Erato Chatzisavva expressed solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and spoke about the universal ideals of sacrifice, justice and democratic aspirations.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Greece Nahida Rahman Shumona read out the messages of the President and the Prime Minister on the occasion.

Paying deep tribute to the martyrs, the ambassador highlighted the significance of the day in Bangladesh's recent history and reaffirmed the nation's respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the July Uprising.

A special prayer was offered seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of the martyrs, while participants observed a one-minute silence in their memory.

As part of the observance, a tree plantation programme was organised on the embassy premises to commemorate the martyrs and honour their enduring ideals.

The embassy said the observance reflected Bangladesh's continued commitment to preserving the memory of the July martyrs and promoting the democratic values for which they sacrificed their lives.